Fall yard and garden checklist

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu

 

 

Green-leafed jasmine plant in a pot sitting in a living room.

Warm-weather plants like jasmine should be brought indoors before temperatures fall below 50 degrees.

 

Friends in the northern part of the state may see snowflakes or wintry mix drizzle soon and temperatures are in the 30s and even 20s overnight in many backyards. We are nearing the end of the 2022 gardening season. Here’s a checklist for mid-October gardeners:

 

Remove and compost annuals in containers

 

Store containers or cover them with plastic lawn bags secured underneath. The pots and soil should be dry to prevent moisture from freezing, expanding and potentially damaging containers. This is a good way to protect very large ceramic pots that can’t be easily moved into a garage or shed for winter.

 

Amend soil with sulfur

 

Help lower soil pH required for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas. Iron sulfate may be added in early spring before planting. Read more on soil care.

 

Water plants until the soil freezes

 

Or until you have to shut off outdoor spigots. The longer you water, the better to help plants move into dormancy hydrated. This is especially true for evergreens. Water Wisely.

 

Update your garden journal before you forget!

 

Make a list of the plants you started from seed, purchased (and where), and direct seeded. Write down what worked and what didn’t in 2022. Include ideas for next year including sketches, pictures and websites you used as resources.

 

The last time you mow your lawn, cut it short

 

Cut to 2 inches to reduce overwintering habitat for critters like voles and to reduce the potential for snow mold next spring. Read more mowing practices for healthy lawns.

 

Cap your pines

 

And fence shrubs and thin-barked trees to prevent animal browsing. Install tree guards around young trees to prevent frost cracks. Trees and shrubs: Planting protection and care

 

Leave the leaves

 

Large green leafy plant in a shower stall.

Large houseplants can be washed in a shower. Remove debris from the soil surface first and spray the underside of leaves for insects.

 

Use fallen leaves to mulch your garden beds, trees and shrubs and provide overwintering habitat for pollinators. Gently brush leaves aside as plants emerge in spring, and leave the leaves as mulch.

 

Leave plants standing

 

Don't cut down all of your dead or dormant plants. They can add winter interest and serve as seed sources for birds that winter in Minnesota. If you cut down plants, leave the stems standing for stem-nesting bees. How to create habitat for stem-nesting bees.

 

Bring your houseplants indoors

 

Repot plants as needed. Remove debris from the soil surface and look under leaves, on stems and in flowers for insects. Identify any insects you find (some may be good bugs) and remove or treat as appropriate. You can also wash plants in the sink (small plants) or shower (large plants) to help remove pests, spider webs, dust and dirt from leaves. Wipe off the pot and saucer too. Managing insects on indoor plants.

 

Publication: 

The Drummer and The Wright County Journal Press

PO Box 159
108 Central Ave.
Buffalo MN 55313

www.thedrummer.com

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