The mornings are the perfect time to harvest your herbs, flowers and vegetables. Their sugar content is highest in mornings. You will notice a more intense scent in the mornings. Late summer, early fall mornings are warm enough to be comfortable, but cool enough to work without getting overheated.
I hope you haven't fertilized later than August 15! The only thing at this point might be your yard, with a winterizing fertilizer. If you fertilize any shrubs, perennials or trees you run the risk of damaging them by a freeze later. Fertilizing them sends the message to produce more flowers and more tender growth which can easily be killed by a freeze. Please remove grass from around your trees too! Grass can create thatch that blocks water and oxygen from reaching the tree roots. By removing grass the tree roots will receive the nutrients they need for remaining healthy. Please do not use "weed and feed." By doing so you are putting a lot more weed killers into the environment than you would if you simply spot-sprayed the weeds in your lawn. Lawn weed killers kill broadleaf weeds. From the perspective of the weed killer, your trees and shrubs fall into the category of broadleaf weeds. They take it up, too. It's better to apply an organic granular fertilizer and spot spray the weeds.
Learning. Community. Fun.
When to Plant Bulbs
Where the hardiness zones are 2-7, plant bulbs when nighttime temperatures are consistently in the 40s, or 6 to 8 weeks prior to your ground freezing.
If you don't manage to get them in the ground soon enough, store the bulbs in a cool, dry place. However, if you can still dig a hole you can plant bulbs.
Choose the larger bulbs, as they will have bigger blooms.
Plant in groups, especially the smaller bulbs.
Plant in well-drained soil.
Plant at the correct depth for your bulbs, or, 3-4 times as deep as the height of the bulb.
- From Gardener's Supply Co.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
How do gardeners prepare for the new garden season? Come find out at our monthly meetings! Check out our Facebook Page and the Events page here for more information, dates and times.
We'll see you there!
Great reasons to JOIN TODAY!
Great Speakers on garden-related topics!
Fun Field Trips to gardens, nurseries & more!
Spring & Fall Plant Swaps!
Seeds & Plants shared!
Informative Emails to keep you posted on all things gardening in our area!
Some Things to Remember when it comes to perennials:
1. Put perennials in the correct spot by matching their light requirements and soil preferences.
2. Choose plants for your garden for the correct zone, based on lowest temperatures that your region experiences on average.
3. Remember maintenance. Deadhead regularly. Divide your perennials about every three years.
4. Plant for color through the seasons. Have something blooming in at least three seasons.
5. A 3-inch layer of mulch will help minimize weeds and hold in moisture. Keep mulch about 2-3 inches away from the crown of your plants.
6. When adding new plants pay attention to their mature width and height. Crowding them encourages disease.
7. Stake tall stems such as delphiniums, peonies and asters so they don't flop over and risk breaking.
- From Better Homes and Gardens
SPONSOR Our GardenTour Next Year:
Please consider becoming a sponsor next year! This is your opportunity to promote your business in a very positive way and to support our community. We hope that you will give next year’s Coeur d’Alene Garden Tour serious consideration as you plan your philanthropic endeavors for the coming year! Email us at:
OR
JOIN and get in on some volunteering opportunities!
Our members volunteer at our annual garden tour in many capacities. Our proceeds from the annual garden tour benefit local charities. We are happy to help our community and look forward to it each year! We can't do it without you.
Joining gives us learning experiences that we can also pass on to others.