Weeds, seeds, and garden deeds: 2024 isn’t over yet!

by | Oct 27, 2024

Michelle Corcoran from the Florenceville Garden Club has some fall tips for gardeners

2024 is NOT over yet!

It was a good year for some things but not for others, and everyone has a story this year! Another year of trouble growing sweet peppers – that’s an investigation for another time for me.

The last of this summer has been really dry. Many trees and shrubs are struggling and have even gotten crispy (no other way to say it). Don’t be afraid to give them a good drink so they can have more of a chance of surviving the winter. Remember to water the base of plants or newly planted trees and shrubs (around the drip line) and not the leaves. You should also water needle-leaved conifers (pines, fir, cedars) and broad-leaved evergreens like rhododendrons into the fall months to be well-hydrated for winter.

Fun Fact!

Fall colours are not related to chilly weather but rather less daylight. The green colour disappears as chlorophyll (which is green) breaks down, revealing the leaf colour underneath. The more sunlight, the more vibrant colours are. The variety and genetics of trees and plants dictate what colours are left in the leaves when all the chlorophyll is gone.

Fall Garden Clean-Up Reminders

  • Time to plant your spring BULBS!! Crocus, daffodils, tulips, alliums, hyacinths and more! I try to get mine in the ground before the end of October or early November. Refer to the handy chart on this website: https://www.almanac.com/planting-fall-bulbs-spring-flowers
  • Plant perennial seeds that need cold stratification to germinate (a period of time in cold) outside in flower beds.  Be sure to mark where you planted them!
  • To prune… or not.  Some plants (like echinacea and cone flowers) have valuable seed heads to help feed overwintering birds – so leave them until spring. If you prune shrubs or plants, do not prune next year’s flower buds.
  • Mulch garden beds to protect plants.  Use natural mulch so the dyes don’t leech into your soil/ water.  Fall is also an excellent time to spread compost and lime in your veggie garden for spring readiness.
  • Don’t compost any diseased leaves, shrub clippings, or pruned branches, as diseases and pests can spread. Any diseased plants or invasive species should be put in the garbage, not the composter.
  • Stake newly planted trees so the winter winds don’t topple them over.
  • Cover and protect tender perennials with leaves, straw or burlap (not plastic).
  • Remember to fill the bird feeders in the fall. Clean and disinfect every two weeks to reduce disease spread. Clean your flower pots and garden tools, too. Disinfect with a bleach solution (two tablespoons of bleach to one gallon of water).
  • Protect the pollinators (and other little critters) that hibernate over the winter by leaving plant stalks and brush piles for shelter.

Garden Club has been busy with celebrations, tours and learnings throughout 2024 – looking forward to planning for the 2025 gardening season.  If you have ideas or interest in garden club, feel free to connect with me: mcorcoranRD@gmail.com

FOREST FIRE INDEX – click image for current status

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