For:
Saturday, Oct. 6, 2001
By: Daniel E. Mullins
Extension Horticulture
Agent
Santa Rosa County
Gardening in the deep south is
not the same as anywhere else in the country.
I hear this over and over from residents who have recently moved here
from other areas. Even the recommended
timing of certain gardening practices is different. Following are some suggestions for fall.
_ The
transplanting season for shrubs and trees is a good example. Though we can successfully transplant in
almost any season of the year, provided sufficient follow-up irrigation is
applied, fall is the absolute best time.
Gulf Coast soils remain
relatively warm, even during the winter.
This allows fall planted shrubs and trees a “head start.” Root growth continues throughout the winter
and plants are well on their way toward complete establishment before more
stressful conditions occur in late spring and summer.
_
Over-wintering shrub pests, such as scales and mites, can be controlled with a
spray containing horticultural oil emulsion.
Locally known as dormant oil spray, this is a relatively non-toxic
product. Follow label directions
carefully, which includes spraying only when air temperatures are within a
certain range. Thorough spray coverage
is essential.
_ Prepare
beds and plant cool season flowers such as petunia, pansy, dianthus, statice,
snapdragon and delphinium. Most of
these can be found at local nurseries and garden centers during October.
_ Winter
vegetables are generally easier to grow than the warm season types. Plant the seed of beet, carrot, kohlrabi,
radish, mustard, spinach and turnip.
Obtain young plants and establish broccoli, cabbage, collard, onion and
strawberry.
_ The
“northern” bulbs have arrived at gardening outlets and the best supply is
usually available during October. Many
of these bulbs, including tulips, narcissus and hyacinths, require a special
cold treatment before they will bloom properly under our conditions.
Since we don’t receive enough low temperatures during a typical winter, these bulbs should be artificially pre-cooled before planting. Place them in the bottom of a refrigerator for 60 to 90 days. Make certain that no fresh fruit is present in the refrigerator while bulbs are being cooled.
Remove the bulbs in late December or early January and plant them promptly. Do not store them at room temperature prior to planting. A few days exposure to warm temperatures can negate the effects of the treatment.
_ Observe fall color and plan to establish some plants that will brighten up your landscape at this time of year. This is our most colorful time for wild flowers. In October watch for these along roadsides and in cleared areas: goldenrod, liatris, asters,
Several deciduous or hardwood trees and shrubs will change to yellow, orange, red and purple. Colors vary, depending upon the species and weather conditions. Watch these: red maple, sweet gum, turkey oak, black gum, hickory, Bradford pear, crape myrtle, dogwood and oak leaf hydrangea.
_ Divide clumping perennials such as liriope and daylilies. Separate and transplant amaryllis bulbs if they are crowded.
Question of the Week: I have some overgrown shrubs that need some serious pruning. Is this a good time of the year?
Answer: This is the wrong time of year for the major pruning of shrubs. Since pruning stimulates new growth, you could be setting plants up for serious cold injury. Delay such heavy jobs until spring. This allows the entire growing season for the shrubs to recover and toughen up for winter.