Plant perennials trees and shrubs. Fall planting gives plants time to develop a strong root system.
Cooler air temps during the day allow plants to develop strong root systems, and the ground is still warm from the summer sun.
Split and replant overgrown bulbs. Dig up the bulb after the foliage has died and allow it to dry
thoroughly. After drying, bulbs can be split and replanted.
Cut perennials to the ground after hard frost and use foliage for compost.
Gather fallen leaves for mulch and compost use.
Dig summer-blooming bulbs after the first killing frost and save for next planting season. For example, Gladiolas, Dahlias, Cannas and Calla Lilies.
September
Take advantage of cool weather by planting trees, shrubs, and evergreens; use root-stimulating fertilizer to promote root growth.
Plant spring-flowering bulbs and work bone meal into bottom of planting holes for better growth.
Divide and replant perennials such as peonies and irises.
Water young trees and shrubs.
Now is the best time to seed new lawn, patch bare spots, and install sod. There isn’t as much competition with weed seeds now. Do it before September 15.
Plant chrysanthemums,ornamental grasses, asters, and flowering kale for fall color.
Apply weed-killer and fertilizer for lawn care, but not to newly seeded areas.
October
Clean garden beds and work compost into soil for spring plantings.
Remove dead annuals and add them to compost.
Cover tender roses before temperatures dip below 25 degrees.
Rake and recycle leaves for better air circulation and lawn
disease control.
Wrap young and thin-barked trees, such as fruit trees, flowering crabapples and maples to protect against sunscald
and animal damage.
Remove garden debris after the first frost to help minimize soil diseases and insects.
Fertilize apple and lilac trees with triple phosphate.
Apply mole and vole repellents.
Burlap evergreens including arborvitae and yews.
November
Early to mid-November, cover perennials with straw
to protect the crowns of the plants from alternate freezing and
thawing of late fall and early spring seasons.
Put down an inch of straw over shallow-rooted perennials to prevent frost heaving (plants being pushed out of soil by freezing temperatures).
Plant large shade trees.
General Winter Season Tips
Install hardware cloth or other fencing that extends above snow level to keep animals away.
Check perennials for signs of heaving; if this occurs, re-cover with mulch.
Oaks, honey locusts, crab apples, pears, mountain ash, and hawthorn are best pruned now.
Keep evergreens and shrubs free of heavy snow.
Determine what flowers and planting techniques worked last season and plan accordingly.
