Garden Column for the Salisbury Post
Darrell Blackwelder
October 18, 2002

        There are many garden tasks which need attending before the permanent arrival of cold weather. The cool weather the past week has given notice that cooler weather is coming and in a hurry.
Lawns, either established or newly planted, must be free of fallen leaves. Fallen leaves block light necessary for maximum growth. Emerging, newly planted grass is very tender and great care should be taken with leaf removal. Mowers with daggers work well in removing unwanted leaves, as long as leaves are not wet. Wet leaves are a nightmare. Put leaves in the compost bin for use later in the spring.
        Cool season lawns may also be fertilized now. Fescue grows best with 2 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet applied in the fall. Split applications of grade fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 17-17-17 can be applied in late October and November to maximize root growth and strengthen the plant over the winter months.
Lawns can also be over-seeded now. Those annihilated by the fall army worm need to be reseeded as soon as possible to establish good growth before the winter.
        House plants need to be moved indoors soon. Often low temperatures, not freezing cold, damage these tropical plants. The oil and waxes within plant cells are easily damaged at cool temperatures.
Ants, spiders and other creatures often find a summer residence in house plant soil. Drench the soil with an insecticide a few days before bringing indoors to kill harboring insects. Follow instructions carefully as if to spray the plants, then pour the solution as to water the plant.
        Spring flowering bulbs can still be planted now. Be sure to plant tulips, daffodils and other bulbs at the correct depth. Include a bit of bone meal within the planting area to stimulate both bloom and root growth.
It's never too late to sample soil. Fall is an excellent time to sample soil because the rush has not started and the results arrive in time to correct problems before planting in the spring. The kits are available from the Cooperative Extension Office.
        Now is the time to divide and replant perennials. Dividing them now gives the plants time to re-established an extensive root system necessary for good growth in the spring and summer months. Daylilies is on perennial the must be divided at least every three years to maintain vigor.
        Speaking of planting, the Rowan County Master Gardeners have a limited supply of Historic Hall House azaleas for sale. The sale is one day only, Thursday, October 24, at the Extension Office on Old Concord Road in Salisbury. One gallon container plants were rooted and grown out from cuttings taken from the azaleas on the Historic Hall House grounds. The plants are $6.00 each or 3 for $15.00. The Master Gardener Azalea Sale is a fund raiser for the Rowan County Master Gardener Association Educational Projects. Contact Cooperative Extension at 704-633-0571 for more information.
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