Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Fall checklist: Watering Schedule, Pruning, Fertilizing

As the leaves turn to the colors of sunrises and sunsets our focus turns to our changing climate . With shorter days and cooler temps. our plants need less water than in the summer so its time to cut back or even turn off these systems. How much you adjust downward will depend on the plants you have, exposure, and rainfall. Those who live in dry climates will have to maintain a watering schedule but those where the rain comes early and regularly can put the watering can away till spring.

Dormant plants will be turning colors and leaves will be falling. It is a good idea to pick these leaves up as they are a source for disease as they break down on the ground. It is best to prune these plants when they are completely dormant. This time will vary according to where you live and your individual micro climate. Let the plants them selves tell you when it is time!

Some people think that during the winter fertilization isn't necessary. This is not true. Evergreens will need nutrients during the cold months and even plants that are dormant will need nutrients as this is a key time of root growth for most of these plants. For active growing plants a nitrogen is still needed. For dormant plants you don't need nitrogen but you do need to give the plant the nutrients that promote root growth. Don't let your plants dry out in the winter either as this will make them more susceptible to freeze.
Custom Search