Autumn arrives: Water & plant suggestions


Use a rain gauge to track rainwater in the garden 

In a 10 day period of late August through early September, we received more than 14 inches of rain on our gardens at home.

Fourteen inches! Yikes!

Luckily, the plants are mainly in well-drained areas, crafted for the past 25 years. I carted away the heavy clay soil left during the (1992-93) home construction process and started with fresh, black dirt. I also add a number of soil amendments every year.

But this year, garden work has been a little different: I'm home full-time and work outdoors in nice weather almost every day. On rainy days, I track the amount of rain we receive.

Scott County got a lot of rain early in September but it's toned down a bit since. For example, we received 2 inches last week.

Experts say Autumn is a really good time to sustain gardens. Some hardy perennials can be planted (think Autumn sedum, or mums); the nights are fairly cool and the days are still nicely warm. We also get rain about once a week, which means we don't have to hand-water plants, shrubs or trees as often.

In general, "Proven Winners," out of Sycamore, Ill., suggests watering only if a soaking rain hasn't fallen in the past 10-14 days. In addition, evergreens do need to be watered regularly, as they need the sustenance to stay green all winter.

This includes broadleaf evergreens like holly, boxwood or rhododendron. I have both boxwood and rhododendron ... These are terrific shrubs and I would recommend them to anyone. Mulch plants (with something like bark mulch, not leaves) before the cold weather comes. This year I'm also going to mulch my butterfly weed and hardy mum in the annual garden.

Many trees and shrubs can be planted in Iowa through November, consider deciduous varieties like maples and oaks. Garden centers often feature these trees on sale.

In addition, October is a great time to plant spring-blooming bulbs; my neighbor has purchased 150 daffodil bulbs to add to her rural landscape. According to Iowa State University Horticulture, spring bulbs can actually be planted into December, if the soil is not frozen.

Water new trees three-four days after planting and then continue on a regular basis until the ground freezes, Iowa State suggests.

Autumn is a favorite time of year for many; it is why we Midwest residents love our four-season climate.

Sources:
Extension.iowa.edu, call ISU Horticultural extension at 515-294-3108 or e-mail at hortline@iastate.edu
www.provenwinners.com

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