Fall and Winter Gardening in the San Bernardino Mountains
September 21st, the vernal equinox, through to December 22nd, the winter solstice.
Now is the time to start preparing gardens for the coming low temperatures, snow and drying winds . Here are some simple guidelines for wrapping up this season's garden.
Fall Clean-up
- Don't be too hasty in cutting off the stems of perennials and shrubs. Many plants over-winter more successfully with stems left intact so don’t be to quick. Stems provide energy reserves for the root system and catch blowing snow which helps insulate the soil and collect moisture.
- Save your leaves, they are worth their weight in gold to your plants, run leaves through a chipper if you have or can borrow one to make fabulous, nutrient-rich, coarse textured mulch. Think of all the gasoline and your precious time saved by not taking them up to the dump and how happy the Earth will be too!
- While cleaning up the yard, if any perennials and deciduous trees had foliage disease or insect problems, gather and dispose the dropped leaves, never use in the garden as it will promote disease in healthy plants.
Taking Care of Plants
Don’t forget to water during the cold months. Deep-soak established plants until the soil freezes; continue every 2 to 3 weeks.
- Fertilize plants to promote root development; fall is the best time.. Top-dress the soil and water it down. Then apply mulch.
- Prune dormant trees (after they've shed their leaves) in late fall. Do not prune evergreens or spring-flowering shrubs during the fall.
Other Garden Tasks
- Now is a good time to chink up stone and brick walls. Level out wooden edgings that have settled. With leaves gone you can see trellises. This is a great time to do those repairs so you will be ready to go in the spring
- Bring houseplants inside that have summered in the garden or patio. Repot any that have outgrown their containers.
- Drain garden pools and birdbaths if you don't keep a heater in them. Drain hoses.
- Install simple windbreaks of burlap or other materials to protect new plantings. Anything that encourages snow accumulation provides excellent shelter against low temperature or drying winds.
- Clean tools using a bucket containing 3 parts sand to 1 part oil; the sand cleans, the oil prevents rust.
- Store seeds, fertilizer and garden chemicals in a place they won't freeze.
A Change of Habit
Fall is the Best Time to Transplant
When daytime fall temperatures are moderate this is the best time for planting. In areas that have mild winters and scorching summers the soil never freezes and usually stays above 40°F. This is ideal for root growth. It also gives plants plenty of time to establish their roots before the heat begins, usually in late spring and extending through most of the summer.
Remember that when air temperatures reach 90°F plant growth for many herbaceous and woody ornamentals (but not succulents) comes to a halt. The plants put so much energy into cooling themselves via transpiration ("sweating" through their leaves) that very little energy is left for growing shoots and leaves. Mulch is excellent both summer and winter to protect plants from temperature extremes.
Things to Do After Fall Transplanting
Water
Remember to water your fall transplants through the winter months, this is the key to success. Roots need moisture. Although you won't water as frequently as you will in the heat of the growing season, a good soaking every 5 to 14 days (depending on soil conditions, daytime temperatures and winter rains) will bring your plants through to spring.
Mulch
Spread about two inches of organic mulch (coarse compost, shredded leaves, pine needles, crushed nut shells, bagged compost) or small angular gravel around plants. This layer of mulch insulates the soil to keep it moist and a more even temperature. Mulch also keeps down weeds come spring time.
Stimulate the Roots
Use a root stimulator mixture such as a Liquid Seaweed or Superthrive for root growth.
Fabulous Plants and Outrageous Flowers will be your reward for Fall care in the Garden