Herbarium

A list of things to do in the Fall:

Start Compost Pile

Lawn

Fertilize with organic lawn fertilizer– helps root growth over winter

Apply pre emergent – corn gluten meal– prevents weed seeds from germinating

Remove leaves from lawn – mow,mulch, compost

Aerate

Topdress with compost

Seed or overseed lawn

Mow until the first frost

Lower mower height for the last mowingto 1 ½ – 2”

Water until first hard frost

Winterize sprinkler system – shutoff, drain

Drain and store hoses

Garden Beds, Shrubs, Trees

Cut back perennials if brown, remove annuals and weeds – add all except weeds to the compost pile (can be done in Spring if you prefer)

Clean out vegetable garden whenever youare done or around first frost/before first hard frost – pick,sell, preserve, or donate produce

Divide and/or transplant perennials

Plant perennials, shrubs, trees

Plant spring flowering bulbs

Plant fall flowers, vegetables, andannuals – pansies, mums, lettuce, spinach, peas, kale

Wrap bark of young trees – helps to prevent sunscald, cracking,  deer damage

Wrap evergreens with burlap if desired

Water trees, shrubs, perennials until the ground freezes

Trees and shrubs - Prune dead or broken only

After first frost – mulch plants which might frost heave – use straw or leaves

Remove fallen fruit – compost

Prepare Square Foot Garden beds

Overwinter geraniums indoors if youwant to save them for next year - dig up and place in a brown paper bag, replant in the spring or grow inside in a pot all winter

Prepare tender plants to move indoors

Tools

Clean out underneath lawn mower - disconnect spark plug first

Add fuel stablizer to gas cans and gas powered equipment if there is gasoline inside

Check mower blades – need replaced or sharpened?

Check hand tools – need replaced or sharpened?

Wipe hand tools with steel wool or a damp cloth and apply oil or store in sand/motor oil mix

Be sure all batteries are charged

Check extension cords for cuts, frays,etc

House

Cedar shredded bark around foundation - insect prevention

Orange Guard or similar spray around foundation - insect prevention

Hang Christmas lights - before snow fall

Plan garden for next year

Write down successes, failures,varieties you liked, etc

Check online for catalogs – order those you want to receive

Learn from books, classes, pruning demonstrations so you are better prepared next year

Beuna Tomalino - Herb-arium.com

There is something exciting about growing something edible. Your motivation may be to save some money, to have healthier food, or some other reason.

The first thing to do is make a list of what you and your family like to eat. Look through lists of what is edible that can be grown in your climate. One helpful book is Landscaping with Fruits by Lee Reich. Some of my favorite catalogs and online sites are Richters, Logee's, Raintree Nursery.
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Some things to consider:

Are there any special requirements for growing these plants such as pH, amounts of sun or shade, pruning, severe pest problems?

Vegetables, fruits, herbs – even some not typically grown or known.

Research how to grow them, when to grow them, and options for purchasing seeds and plants.

Start with a few plants or a few different kinds of plants. Don't get overwhelmed by trying too much at once.

Many edibles can be grown in pots or small Square Foot Gardens so don't rule out the possiblity just because you don't have much space or your climate or soil pH isn't the best for inground growing.

I can help you with advice, information, or ideas.

Beuna Tomalino - Herb-arium.com