Garden Column for the Salisbury Post

October 18, 2001

Darrell Blackwelder

Fall leaf color is rapidly approaching and this indicates outside chores. As the temperature falls and leaf color changes, many go outdoors for fall cleanup and work outdoors.. Many have called with various questions about lawns and gardens of which you may have an interest. Here are a few:

Question: Is now the right time to prune crepe myrtles? Answer: Not really. Years ago we recommended pruning spent blooms in the fall. You can still do this, but research from University of Georgia has proven that in the event of a sudden freeze or unusually cold winter, those that plants that were pruned may have cold injury and be later blooming in the spring.

Question: Can I prune shrubs now? Answer: Light pruning is not a problem now. Wait until spring at mid-March to do heavy-duty pruning on shrubs. Wait until azaleas bloom before pruning them back.

Question: I just planted my lawn in September. When do I cut a new lawn? Answer: Make sure your blade is very sharp and cut the new lawn when the grass has reached a height of 4 inches. Mow it as high as possible.

Question: I have just planted my lawn and the grass is just beginning to show, but I have leaves falling. What shall I do? Answer: Fescue will never become established without sunlight. You need to remove those leaves as carefully as you can without disturbing emerging grass seedlings. Keep emerging grass properly irrigated to maintain growth.

Question: I have gourds in the garden. When is the best time to harvest? Answer: Gourds can take a light frost, but not a hard freeze. When the rind is very hard and the stem is brown is the best to pluck them out of the garden. Use pruners to cut the stem, leaving an inch or more of stem and then move them to a cool, dark location to cure. Check often for those that are immature as they will have soft skin and will decay quickly.

Question: Is it still to late to fertilize and sow grass seed? Answer: No, the experimental turf test plot always goes in late and does fine, however, don’t wait much longer. Water will be an important factor in establishment during a dry fall and winter.

Question: When can I get pine seedlings? Answer: Pine seedlings are available from the North Carolina Forest Service. Contact the county forester, Wayne Alexander or our office for an application or more information about planning trees. Seedlings are usually harvested in December through March while supplies last.