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Camp Internet's Global Gardening Studies are open to all Camp Expedition Teams. RAIN's Youth Technology Corps members are Expedition Team Leaders for Communities taking part.

Fall Gardening - Introduction

Fall is the best time to plant spring blooming bulbs, divide and replant perennials and introduce new plants, shrubs and trees

Although we sense that cold weather is comming and can see that our gardens from the spring and summer have come to completion, there is still new gardening to do for the Winter.

There are some end-of-season garden chores which will help ensure that your garden bulbs will come out between January and March with beautiful blooms.

Our class on Fall Gardening will review the following. We recommend you setup your Fall Garden Notebook with dividers for each of the following:

  • Planting bulbs
  • Dividing perennial plants
  • Transplanting shrubs and trees
  • Maintaining your lawn - you can even ask at school about helping with the lawns and fields.


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    Fall Gardening Checklist

    Here are regional guidelines for fall planting and garden maintenance in both cool and warm climates. For additional seasonal gardening advice, refer to United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zone maps at a local library. Or, log onto the USDA's Web site at www.usda.gov/news/garden.htm, to find your area's plant hardiness zone and planting recommendations.

    You can also contact your state and county extension service for more information about what and when to plant in fall. Neighborhood nurseries and garden centers can be another good source of information - they usually stock plants appropriate to local climate conditions.

    If you live in a cool climate:

    Divide spring and summer blooming perennial plants.

    Plant new spring blooming bulbs and perennials.

    After frost, clean perennial beds and borders by cutting down dead flowers and digging up any weeds or diseased plants.

    Dig up tender bulbs such as dahlia, canna and gladiola. Wrap them in moist material and store in a cool, dark space.

    After ground freezes, spread mulch over bare soil. Evergreen boughs can be good mulching material for bulb beds.

    Transplant shrubs or young trees to new locations.

    Keep watering newly planted trees and shrubs, especially evergreens, until the ground freezes.

    Spread winter mulch over trees and shrubs, using up to 6 inches of organic material like chopped leaves.

    Fertilize young trees and shrubs that have been in the ground for at least a year. No need to fertilize established trees and shrubs if they are mulched.

    Protect grafted roses by mounding mulch or soil 10-12" deep - do not apply until ground is near freezing. In coldest regions, shelter roses with a burlap screen.

    Winterize hydrangeas after leaf drop by mounding soil to cover the lower 2-3 buds on each stem.

    Fertilize your lawn in September and again in November.

    Mow grass short for the final cut of the year.

    Clean out birdhouses.

    If you live in a warm climate:

    Continue checking perennial plants for pest infestations and disease. Find out what's stressing your perennials and take steps to clear up the problem.

    Clean up perennial beds and borders. Cut down dead flowers, dig up and remove diseased plants. Weed all areas that are not mulched.

    Divide large clumps of spring and summer blooming perennial plants to control their size and renew blooming.

    Water citrus and avocado trees to prevent fruit from splitting.

    Remove buds from camellias for larger blooms. Water camellias to prevent buds from dropping off. Mulch with pine needles.

    Stop feeding tropical trees and shrubs. This gives them time to harden for winter dormancy.

    Plant or transplant non-tropical trees and shrubs. Delay fertilizing until spring.

    Prune injured branches from trees and shrubs.

    Clean out birdhouses.

    Fall Chores for Gardeners

    Clean garden tools for winter storage. Clean soil from tools and oil tools with movable parts.

    Clean fallen leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.

    Drain garden hoses so water won't freeze causing cracks and holes.

    Bring in clay pots or garden ornaments, as they can crack or break from fluctuating winter temperatures.

    Rake leaves onto compost pile or run through lawn mower for use as plant protecting mulch.

    Use pine needles, oak leaves or cedar chips to protect plants during winter months.

    Cut back fall annuals like mums, asters and pansies after they bloom.

    Trim tall grass away from trees and corners of your home to discourage small rodents from nesting there.

    Get rid of weeds. By pulling weeds in fall before they go to seed, you can help reduce the number of seedlings next year.
    Before bringing houseplants inside your home, make sure they are free of pests.

    Finally, remember to enjoy one of nature's most beautiful seasons while performing your fall gardening chores.