Fall can be a fantastic time in the garden and these tips will help ensure that your garden reaches its peak during this time of the year.
Go for the best while at the nursery
Plants with heavy foliage are what you should buy. Avoid going for plants that have roots which creep out. This may mean that they are rootbound when you observe roots on the drain holes of the container’s bottom.
Small is better
Buy little plants in case you have a choice. They are contained in four-inch nursery pots. Little plants cost under $5. They are less expensive in comparison to larger ones. During winter rains, they tend to catch up to larger plants. In case you require multiples to occupy a bed, you should go for smaller plants. On the contrary, immediate effects can be achieved by gallon-size plants that start around $10 per piece. This tip will help you keep your flower garden blooming into the fall.
Ascertain plant tags
Enquire on how big the growth of the plants will be. Additionally, find out whether the plants will need shade or sun. Make a selection of the plants that you know will thrive in the designated spot that you have in store for them. Full sun, for instance, implies that a plant should be placed in a spot where it will get not less than six hours of sunlight daily.
Take compost into consideration
Purchase bagged compost for addition into the soil before you embark on planting edibles, annuals, and ornamentals. There is no need for you to buy bagged compost if you have well-drained garden soil at home or if you have a compost pile. Added compost is ordinarily not needed for native plants and trees. 1 and 2 cubic foot compost bags are usually sold at nurseries. Garden suppliers, on the other hand, sell compost in bulk. Bagged compost that has been stored in hot conditions and heated by the scorching sun for months or piled should be avoided. Such compost will not deliver the intended results for your soil.
Improve your garden’s soil
The existing garden soil should be dug up to a depth of 10 inches firstly. Remove stones and dismantle clods as you dig up the soil. 4 to 6 compost inches should then be spread over the area expect for if you are planting natives or trees. Dig it in then rake the soil making sure it is smooth and level.
Plan to water
A watering system needs to be put up if you do not yet have one. Ideally, drip works for many plants. However, hose-end sprinklers and soaker hoses can also be used.
Provides room for growth
Apportion your plants enough room for them to attain full growth. In case you have doubts, go through the label. When plants are small, temptations may occur forcing you to cram them close to each other. However, growth is never properly achieved by a crowded plant.
Soak them
Before you start planting, make sure that you water the plants while they are still in the nursery using a hose.
Plant
Gently loosen the roots using gloved hands after you have slid the rootball from the container. Dig a hole twice the size of the rootball using a shovel. Place the plant within the hole. To facilitate settling, trees, perennials, and shrubs should be an inch above grade. Flush with the surface is where annuals should be. Backfill the hole with loam soil if available since it drains well. Otherwise, mix compost with heavy clay or sand to fill in the hole unless when you are planting natives or trees.