Month: November 2023

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Fall Bulb Planting in Missouri

Lush Missouri garden blooming with tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, a testament to successful fall bulb planting.

Guide to a Vibrant Bulb Spring Garden

As the leaves in Missouri begin to display their autumnal splendor, it’s a perfect reminder for garden enthusiasts: it’s time to plant fall bulbs. Planting bulbs in the fall is an investment in the future, a promise of a colorful and vibrant garden when spring arrives. This guide will walk you through the essentials of fall bulb planting, from choosing the right bulbs to proper care, ensuring a spectacular bloom come spring.

Choosing the Right Bulbs for Missouri Gardens

In Missouri, the climate is conducive to growing a variety of spring-blooming bulbs. Some popular choices include:

  1. Tulips: Available in a rainbow of colors, tulips are a spring staple. They are perennials but often treated as annuals in Missouri due to their tendency to decline in subsequent years.
  2. Daffodils: These yellow heralds of spring are perennials and known for their hardiness and ability to naturalize in the landscape.
  3. Hyacinths: With their intoxicating fragrance and vibrant colors, hyacinths are a delight. They’re perennials and do well in Missouri’s springtime.

When purchasing bulbs, look for ones that are firm and free of mold or damage. Local Missouri nurseries or garden centers are excellent sources for high-quality bulbs suited to the local climate.

Planting Your Bulbs

When to Plant: In Missouri, the best time to plant your bulbs is from late September to late October. The soil temperature should be cool but not yet frozen.

Where to Plant: Most spring-blooming bulbs prefer well-drained soil and a location that receives full to partial sunlight. Consider planting bulbs in clusters or groups for a more natural and impactful display.

How to Plant:

  1. Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12-15 inches. Mix in compost or organic matter to improve drainage.
  2. Planting Depth and Spacing: As a general rule, plant bulbs at a depth of about three times their diameter. Space bulbs a few inches apart to avoid overcrowding.
  3. Positioning: Place the bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing upwards. For flatter bulbs like anemone, which side up can be less obvious, consult the packaging for guidance.
  4. Covering and Watering: After planting, cover the bulbs with soil and give them a good watering. This helps settle the soil around the bulbs.

Caring for Your Bulbs

Post-planting care is minimal but crucial. Water the bulbs if the fall season is particularly dry. Adding a layer of mulch can help retain moisture and provide some protection from early freezes.

Spring Care

As spring approaches, remove any mulch that might hinder the sprouting bulbs. Once the bulbs start blooming, enjoy the spectacle! After the blooms fade, cut back the flower stalks but leave the foliage until it turns yellow and dies back. This process allows the plant to store energy for the next year’s bloom.

Bulbs as Annuals or Perennials

In Missouri, many gardeners treat bulbs like tulips as annuals, replanting each year for the best display. Others, like daffodils, are reliable perennials and will return for several years. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance garden, focus on bulbs that are known to naturalize in the Missouri climate.

Additional Tips

  • Experiment with Layering: For a longer-lasting display, try layering bulbs in the planting hole. Plant larger bulbs deeper and smaller bulbs closer to the surface.
  • Pest Considerations: In Missouri, bulbs can be susceptible to pests like squirrels. Consider planting pest-resistant varieties or using physical barriers.

Conclusion

Planting bulbs in the fall is a beautiful act of hope and anticipation. By following these tips, gardeners in Missouri can look forward to a rewarding and colorful spring. Remember, gardening is not just about the destination (the bloom) but also about enjoying the journey (the planting process). So, grab your bulbs, prepare your soil, and start planting – a breathtaking spring garden awaits!

Resources for Missouri Gardeners

For more localized advice, the following resources can be invaluable:

  • University of Missouri Extension (extension.missouri.edu): Offers detailed guides and gardening tips specific to Missouri’s climate.
  • Missouri Botanical Garden (mobot.org): A great source for plant information and gardening inspiration.
  • Local Gardening Clubs: Joining a local gardening club can provide personalized advice and experience sharing.

Happy planting, and here’s to a vibrant and colorful spring in Missouri!

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Late Fall Lawn Care Guide

Serene suburban backyard in late fall with a well-maintained, vibrant green lawn, mulched leaves, and autumnal trees.

Tips for a Healthy, Happy Lawn

As the leaves start to turn and the days get shorter, it’s easy to think your lawn care duties are over for the year. But not so fast! Late fall is a crucial time for your grass. It’s preparing for winter dormancy and needs a little TLC to ensure it wakes up healthy and vibrant in the spring. Here’s a handy guide to help you give your lawn the care it deserves before winter sets in.

1. Mowing: How Low Should You Go?

The final mow of the season is more important than you might think. It prepares your grass for the winter and can help prevent fungal growth. But how short should you cut your lawn? Well, it depends on the type of grass.

  • Cool-season grasses (like fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass): Aim for about 2 to 2.5 inches. This height is short enough to prevent matting under snow but long enough to protect the roots from frost.
  • Warm-season grasses (like Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia): These can be cut a bit shorter, around 1.5 to 2 inches, as they’re more accustomed to warmer climates and need less insulation.

The key is not to cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time to avoid stressing the grass.

2. Leaf Management: Mulch, Don’t Remove!

Those fallen leaves might look like a nuisance, but they’re actually a gold mine for your lawn! Instead of raking them away, mulch them. Here’s why:

  • Natural Fertilizer: Mulched leaves decompose and provide natural nutrients to your soil.
  • Moisture Retention: They help retain moisture, which is crucial as the air gets drier.
  • Insulation: A layer of mulched leaves can provide insulation to your grass.

Just make sure the leaves are chopped up finely (a mulching mower can do this job perfectly), so they don’t smother the grass.

3. Fertilizing: The Final Feast

Late fall is the best time to give your lawn a final feeding. This helps strengthen roots and provides the nutrients needed to endure the cold months. But what kind of fertilizer should you use?

  • Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are great for most grass types. They help in root development and ensure a lush, green start in the spring.
  • Slow-release formulas are ideal as they provide a steady nutrient supply over the winter months.

Remember, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm your lawn.

4. Lime Treatment: Balancing the pH

If your soil is too acidic, it’s a good idea to apply lime in the fall. Lime helps balance the pH level of the soil, creating a better environment for grass growth. Here’s how to know if you need it:

  • Soil Testing: You can get a soil test kit from your local garden center. If the pH is below 6.0, your lawn could benefit from lime.
  • Sparingly Apply: Lime can take months to alter the soil pH, so a fall application is timely. But be careful not to over-lime!

5. Aeration: Let It Breathe

Aerating your lawn in the fall can be hugely beneficial. It allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil, which helps roots grow more robustly.

  • Use a Core Aerator: This tool removes small plugs of soil, creating channels for nutrients to reach the roots.
  • Ideal for Heavy Use Lawns: If your lawn sees a lot of foot traffic, aeration is especially important to relieve soil compaction.

6. Overseeding: Fill in the Blanks

Got some bare patches? Fall is a great time for overseeding. The cooler temperatures and dewy mornings create an ideal environment for seed germination.

  • Choose the Right Seed: Match the seed type with your existing grass for a uniform look.
  • Water Regularly: Keep the soil moist to encourage germination.

In Conclusion

Taking these steps in the late fall can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your lawn come spring. It’s about setting the stage for your grass to survive the winter and burst forth in all its glory once the warmer weather returns. So, grab that lawn mower one last time, mulch those leaves, and give your lawn the care it needs. Your future self (and lawn) will thank you for it! 🌱🍂🏡

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Fall Tree and Shrub Maintenance

Close-up of a gardener's hands wearing gloves while planting a young tree with reddish-brown leaves in soil, indicating the autumn planting season

Trees and Shrubs: These Stalwarts of Your Landscape Need Attention Too

As winter’s crisp air begins to swirl around us, it’s easy to assume that our gardening duties are over until the spring thaw. However, for those verdant guardians of our yards – trees and shrubs – this is a crucial time. These steadfast elements of our landscapes, often overshadowed by the more flamboyant blooms of spring and summer, require our attention now more than ever.

Planting Time: Laying the Foundation for Future Growth

Autumn is not just a time of falling leaves; it’s also an ideal period for planting new trees and shrubs. Why now? The cooler temperatures and moist soil conditions are perfect for root establishment. When you plant a tree or shrub in the fall, you give it a head start. The roots have an opportunity to grow and establish themselves in the soil long before the stress of the summer heat. It’s like setting the foundation of a house before building the walls.

Moreover, nurseries often have end-of-season sales, making this a budget-friendly time for landscaping. When selecting your new green friends, consider native species. They are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions, requiring less maintenance and providing essential habitat for wildlife.

Fall Fertilization: Preparing for a Burst of Spring Energy

Once the dazzling display of fall foliage ends, and trees stand bare, it’s time for another critical step: fertilization. Many of us might not think about feeding our trees, but just like any living organism, they need nutrients to grow strong and healthy.

Applying fertilizer in the fall has several benefits. It replenishes nutrients that might have been depleted during the growing season. This autumnal feeding encourages root growth, giving trees and shrubs a strong base to withstand winter’s harshness. Come spring, this investment pays off with lush, vigorous growth.

Remember, not all fertilizers are created equal. A slow-release formula is ideal for this time of year. It gradually provides nutrients, avoiding any shock to the plants’ system.

Hydration is Key: Ensuring Winter Resilience

A frequently overlooked aspect of fall tree care is watering, particularly for evergreens. While deciduous trees lose their leaves and enter a state of dormancy, evergreens retain theirs, continuing to lose water through their needles. This makes adequate hydration before the ground freezes vital.

Ensure your trees and shrubs are well-watered throughout the fall. This is especially crucial if the summer has been dry. A well-hydrated plant is more resilient to frost and freezing conditions. It’s akin to going into winter with a full pantry – it provides the resources needed to survive the lean months.

In Conclusion

Trees and shrubs are the backbone of any landscape, providing structure, shade, and beauty. Their care should not be an afterthought. By investing time in planting, fertilizing, and watering them appropriately in the fall, you’re setting the stage for a vibrant, healthy garden that will awaken with vigor and color come spring.

By attending to these stalwarts of your landscape now, you ensure their beauty and health for years to come. Remember, the work you do today in your garden is an investment in tomorrow’s natural splendor.

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November Landscaping

Autumn-themed garden with a person sweeping fallen leaves, surrounded by trees showcasing fall colors, circular paver pathways, landscape lighting, and a cascading water feature.

November Landscaping in St. Louis County: Your Essential Guide

Hello, St. Louis County garden enthusiasts! As the vibrant hues of fall paint our landscapes, November brings a unique set of tasks for our gardens. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, our guide will help you navigate this month’s landscaping journey.

1. Ornamental Annuals and Perennials: November is the perfect time to give your garden a fresh burst of color come spring. If you haven’t already:

  • Plant Spring Bulbs: Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are eager to find their spot in your garden. They’ll reward you with a vibrant display when winter fades.
  • Garden Clean-Up: Those fallen leaves might look picturesque, but they can harbor pests and diseases. A good clean-up now can save you a lot of trouble later.

2. Lawn Care: Your lawn might be slowing down, but it still needs some TLC:

  • Leaf Management: A blanket of leaves might seem harmless, but it can cause bare spots on your lawn. Regular raking or leaf blowing keeps your grass breathing easy.
  • Fertilize for the Future: A slow-release fertilizer now ensures your lawn wakes up green and lush in spring.

3. Trees and Shrubs: These stalwarts of your landscape need attention too:

  • Planting Time: If you’ve been thinking about adding a new tree or shrub, now’s a great time. They’ll have all winter to settle in before the growing season.
  • Fall Fertilization: Once trees show their fall colors, give them a boost with some fertilizer. They’ll thank you with vigorous growth next year.
  • Hydration is Key: Especially for evergreens, make sure they’re well-watered before the ground freezes.

4. Fruits and Veggies: For those with a kitchen garden:

  • Tilling Time: Turning over your soil now can expose insect pests to the cold, reducing their numbers next spring.
  • Fruit Clean-Up: Leftover fruits can attract pests. Make sure to clear them away.
  • Pecan Harvest: If you’re lucky enough to have a pecan tree, keep an eye out for falling nuts. Fresh pecans are a treat!

5. A Few More Tips:

  • Soil Testing: If you’ve noticed some plants struggling or just want to optimize growth, consider a soil test. It’ll give you insights into pH levels and nutrient deficiencies.
  • Birds Need Love Too: As food becomes scarce, setting up bird feeders can attract a delightful array of winged visitors.
  • Houseplant Care: As we move our green friends indoors, remember to reduce watering. Check the soil moisture before giving them a drink.

In conclusion, November might signal the onset of winter, but there’s still plenty to do in the garden. With these tips, your St. Louis County landscape will be well-prepared for the colder months and ready to burst into life come spring.

References:

  • Gateway Gardener. “Things to Do This Month.” Link
  • Missouri Botanical Garden. “November Gardening Tips.” Link