Posted: September 13, 2021
Gardening involves things that can be done routinely at the same time every year. Our focus is on Native Plant Gardening and will include some general gardening as well. Though annual weather may influence timing of these tasks, these are the things to check off your list in early fall.
Asters come alive in the Fall season and provide food for pollinators. Aster oblongifolius 'Raydon's Favorite' taken by Pam Hall.
Deadhead flowers-but not all of them: Continue to deadhead perennials to keep them blooming until the last frost. In the Lancaster area that can be as early as October 11 and as late as November 1st. In many gardens, no deadheading guidelines apply in the autumn. Let some flowers go to seed, such as rudbeckia and echinacea so hungry birds can feast on them. Articles on cutting down perennials and deadheading.
Thin or divide some perennials: Perennials can become big and bulky after growing in the same location for many years. Now is a good time to thin or divide and move to other parts of your garden. Read more about dividing perennials.
Continue weeding especially those that have large amounts of seeds: Japanese stilt grass is one that needs attention now. Stilt grass is an annual grass and will die over winter but that is not the whole story. Their tips are growing seeds now, and each plant may have up to 1000 seeds that can stay viable in the earth for as long as five years!! It's no surprise that Japanese stilt grass is one of the most damaging invasive species in the USA. Information on stilt grass.
Consider adding a compost bin to your property: If you don't have a compost bin, consider building one now in preparation for the deluge of fallen leaves and spent plant material you will be collecting from your garden. Learn more about compost.
Powdery mildew which we covered in the August list of things to do, may now appear as temperatures cool down: Remove the diseased leaves as this can survive winter. Here is an article on powdery mildew.
Stop pruning and fertilizing: You do not want to encourage new, tender growth just before cold weather arrives. But do continue watering as needed (any week that gets less than 1 inch of rain.)
Photo by Pam Hall: Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks'--Fireworks Goldenrod
Think about the beauty of the fall season; it is time for Asters and Goldenrods. Asters are the grand finale to the perennial garden, displaying vibrant fall colors in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white. Goldenrod add brilliant yellows and gold to the mix. Both are also one of the last great feeding opportunities for bees, butterflies, songbirds, and other pollinators. For gardeners, it's a two-for-one deal--beautiful blooms and a flurry of attractive wildlife. By the way, goldenrod is not ragweed and does not cause hay fever. Learn more.
In the Mid-Atlantic hot weather will likely continue in September, but there will be mild days too. What a lovely time of the year to rest from summer chores. Enjoy your ever-changing fall garden.
Pamela Hall, Master Gardener, Lancaster County
