To some novice gardeners, it may come as news that autumn—with its garden centre sales, moderate temperatures and plentiful rainfall—is a great time to garden.
Before you start readying your patch for winter (see “Seasonal dos and don'ts"), plant perennials in early fall so they'll have time to establish their root systems (bearded and Siberian irises, peonies and lilies do especially well when planted in autumn). However, avoid planting or dividing ornamental grasses; many are warm-season growers that won't establish if planted in fall. Others that also prefer to be planted in the spring include yews, magnolias, katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum), mountain ash (Sorbus), dogwood (Cornus), beech (Fagus), tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera), Japanese and red maples (Acer palmatum, A. rubrum), and white oaks (Quercus alba).
Another fall ritual is planting bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops (Galanthus), for spring colour. Tuck them into the ground before hard frosts come and choose big bulbs for larger flowers. Plant in well-drained soil at least six weeks before soil freezes; start with smaller ones (such as snowdrops and crocuses), as they don't keep as well, followed by larger species such as daffodils and tulips.
Position bulbs pointed end up, three times deeper than their height (for example, plant a 6.5-centimetre daffodil bulb 20 centimetres deep). Those that don't have an obvious pointed end (or ones you're uncertain about) can be planted sideways; they will right themselves as they grow.
7 Comments
What do I need to do to prepare my hydrangea's for the winter?
Hi Debra, Thank you for your question. If you post your question in our forums under plant talk, you'll get lots of tips! Tara Web Editor, CanadianGardening.com
Hi, how do i go about getting slips/cuttings off my trees and shrubs for starting and how do i plant them
Hello, I planted a sand cherry tree this spring it,s not looking good lots of chew holes what should i do? I am a novice gardener.
Hi Rader, Here is an article on making new shrubs: http://www.canadiangardening.com/how-to/techniques/making-new-shrubs/a/1818 Hope this helps! Tara Web Editor, CanadianGardening.com
To Debra57...I posted your question in our forums. Check this link to see the replies! http://www.canadiangardening.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=14399 Hope this helps!
Leanor, please check out my blog post for advice from horticultural expert, Anne Marie Van Nest: http://canadiangardening.com/blogs/thebuddinggardener/2008/10/08/my-sand-cherry%e2%80%99s-a-sucker/