Fall Yard Care

The tops of most herbaceous perennials can be cut off or left standing with the exception of peonies, iris and lilies, three plant varieties that need to have their tops cut back. For all other perennials there are pros and cons to leaving the tops over the winter. The removal helps prevent the over-wintering of diseases and insects, while leaving this material can help to hold a snow cover during the winter as well as being attractive.

Newly planted perennials benefit from a mulch of clean material such as straw, or dry grass and leaves mixed together. Apply the mulch after the ground has frozen. Mulching in the fall will help to prevent the plants from being forced from the ground. Be sure to stake or mark the plants that need to be moved and divided early in the spring.

Mulch the strawberry patch when the temperature drops to -7°C and stays there for three or four nights. Water the plants well, then cover with weed free straw or a grass and leaf mixture. Watering lightly after applying the mulch will help hold it in place. A mulch layer five centemetres deep after settling will keep the plants safe. Watch for signs of mice during the winter and treat as necessary.

The wintering of tea roses actually begins in the summer. Stop fertilizing the plants at the end of July, and in August, cut roses with shorter stems. Cut back on watering in September, but never let the plants dry out. After several hard frosts, winter insulation should be put in place. Water the plants well, head the canes back to 20 to 25 cm. Put about 30 cm of insulating material such as peatmoss, compost or soil around the canes and the crown, but do not pack the material too tightly.

Cutting back the water to woody plants and perennials in August will aid the plants in preparing for winter. It is important to have a reserve of moisture in the root zone for all plants to prevent root damaged during the winter. Fill the soil profile with water in mid-October or just before the ground freezes.

Early fall is a good time for weed control in the lawn. Broad leaf herbicides for lawns applied on a warm fall day will control dandelions, chickweed and clover. Keep mowing the lawn as long as it continues to grow, to prevent damage to the crown of the grass, do not cut the lawn shorter than five to six cm long.

Raking the leaves tidies the yard and removes over-wintering sites for many insects and diseases. The dried leaves can be stock piled for adding to next years compost pile.

Since winter can fade the memories of the summer, be sure to make a few notes for next year. Jot down what worked, what didn’t and what needs to be done next year.

Local garden centres can provide information for gardeners. Also, information on yard, garden turf and shrub and tree care is included in the Alberta Agriculture publication, Alberta Yards and Gardens: What to Grow. This publication contains information to help Albertans successfully grow ornamental trees and shrubs, small fruits and berries, flowers, vegetables, herbs and even water plants. To order this publication, call 1-800-292-5697 or purchase on-line.

Other Articles From the Oct 9, 2006 Issue of Agri-News