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This section is for plants that I have grown and find easy in zone 5. My thought
on gardening has always been that I want flowers that can grow and do well without
alot of fuss. I feel that a garden should bring enjoyment with the minimum amount
of work.
Hello again! I have been trying to decide what to feature this week. Fall is coming on pretty quick now and there are so many choices. Tulip, daffodils, crocuses, and all the bulbs available now, or fall mums! Well, then I thought about the wonderful fall colors of the "Miss Kim" lilac, the "Oakleaf Hydrangea"(H. quercifolia), the "sweet pepperbush" (clethra alnifolia) and all the great color they bring to this season.
Fall is a great time of year to plant so many different things. So this article will be about different plants. In late fall you can find bargains at nurseries also. Keep an eye on those sale ads! When planting this time of year it is important to add some root stimulator. I use this all the time when I plant. New perennials will especially benefit from this. Mulching new plants is a good idea. I don't mulch plants that are established with the exception of roses. Remember to put the fall application of fertilizer on your bulbs, trees and shrubs.
MUMS.....Everyone loves a fall mum, and the reason is clear. Mums bring color to your garden after almost
everything else is done. When choosing your mums for fall, look for
lot's of bud's and good leaf color. I would advise against buying
anything under an eight inch pot at this time of year.
If you want to try to carry the mums through the winter, be sure to
use root stimulator!...*grin*....I would advise against cutting back
this fall on newly planted mums. Cover them well with straw to keep
the roots safe. Mums have been hybridized for color. Some of the older
varieties are still considered a perennial, but the newer colors have
been termed a "tender perennial" in my zone. (zone 5)
In the spring is the time to divide the mum. Dividing is easy, when
you see sprouts lift the plant and divide. Spacing should be 12-18
inches apart. Mums are heavy feeders, adding osmocote is a good idea.
Plant in a sunny location to insure good bud setting. The buds are set
when the daylight decreases and the temperature starts to drop at night.
Artificial light may delay this process. They can be moved even when in bloom to a more prominate spot for fall.
When I buy mums I think of them as an annual. If you really would like for them to come back year after year, buy them in June. This gives the roots a chance to get established well. Pinching mums will ensure a good shape and fall color. I pinch until August 1. Try to pinch them atleast once a week, if you can't and they get really tall or out of shape you can take scissors to them until a
round the first of July
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