Fall gardening tips

Gardening season doesn’t have to be over just because it’s time to rake leaves. There are things you can do now to spruce up your landscape and make garden chores easier next spring.

-- Replant containers and window boxes with pansies and mums. Both will bloom until a hard freeze, and the pansies will bloom during warm spells throughout the winter.

-- Dig up summer bulbs such as caladiums and cannas before the first frost. Allow them to dry completely before storing.

-- Root cuttings from coleus and geraniums to enjoy indoors this winter and outdoors next summer.

-- Do not fertilize newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials. New growth can be damaged by cold weather.

-- Plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, alliums, daffodils and hyacinth.

-- Plant ornamental trees and shrubs in your garden to add height and variety.

-- Although you may be tempted to cut down all your perennials to “get it over with,” foliage should not be removed from plants until it turns yellow or brown. Green foliage is still manufacturing food for next year's growth.

-- Avoid removing foliage of perennials to the ground. Leaving an inch stub on peonies, chrysanthemums and other perennials aids you in locating the plants as they are sprouting next spring. An inch stem stub won't increase insect or disease problems.

-- All perennials, trees and shrubs need a thorough watering before the ground freezes. While plants appear dormant, roots are still actively growing and functioning.

-- Make new beds. More plentiful rainfall in autumn makes the ground easier to work. Remove any grass and till up the soil, amending it with organic matter.

-- Clean and sharpen your yard tools and coat with oil so they’ll be ready to use next spring.