Autumn is an opportune time for many plantings
By Tony Tomeo
At this time of year, I need to look at the calendar to see what season it is. It seems summer has ended too abruptly and I almost expect the weather to warm up for Indian summer into October. However, the calendar indicates that the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated this week; and that September 22 is the Autumnal Equinox. Regardless of the weather, it seems that summer is just about done.
It is still too early to plant most bulbs for next year. However, spuria iris should be planted as soon as possible They will not be available in nurseries for long. Established spuria iris and bearded iris should be divided before the end of the month. To minimize rot, they should be planted in well-drained soil and only watered when first planted. Additional irrigation should only be done if the soil dries out and weather is warm before winter. Many ferns, such as New Zealand flax, yarrow, gazania, day lily, lily of the Nile and many other clumping perennials should also be divided at this time.
Autumn is the best time to plant just about anything, except plants that are frost-sensitive, or those planted bare-root in winter. Although most are dormant through winter, roots grow slightly during warm weather and get an early start in late winter. Newly installed plants are also less likely to dry out in cool, damp weather.
Annuals that may be planted from seed now include, but are not limited to, calendula, coreopsis, larkspur, lupine, pansy, viola, nasturtium, snapdragon, stock and various types of poppy. If buying annual plants from home improvement centers, avoid leftover summer annuals, which may be sold out of season. Most reputable nurseries only sell annuals appropriate for the season. Hollyhock, penstemon, Shasta daisy, columbine, phlox, violets and dianthus, including carnation and sweet William, are good perennials for autumn.
As warm season vegetables finish in the garden, they may be replaced with cool season vegetables. If tomatoes are left for their fruit to ripen, there may be continued minimal production for a short time, depending on the weather. In the past, we have managed to get a few tomatoes until the plants were finally damaged by frost. Green tomatoes too young to ripen are excellent pickled.
Incidentally, for those who wonder if tomatoes are fruits or vegetables--they are, by definition, fruit. Anything containing seeds is a fruit. In fact, many other "vegetables," such as corn, squash, beans and cucumbers, are actually fruit. Those that are leaves, such as cabbage; roots, such as beets; or flowers, such as broccoli, are real vegetables because they are derived from vegetative plant parts.
Cool season vegetables seeded directly in the garden this time of year include peas, beets, turnips, carrots (yuck!) and radishes. Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, shallots, leeks, green onions, spinach and various lettuce may be seeded or planted from seedlings or young plants. Peas produce until warm spring weather and should not require additional replanting. However, all other vegetables should be planted in small quantities approximately every two weeks so that they are ready for use at different times rather than all of each type maturing at the same time.
In landscaped areas, red spider mites may become a problem, particularly in juniper, arborvitae and cypress. Spraying infested plants regularly with water does not kill the mites, but it washes most off and discourages their return. An occasional rinse with insecticidal soap (or just plain dish soap) is even more offensive to mites. Much of the dust that is attractive to mites will be washed off in the process. Horticultural oil is an effective alternative to miticide, which may be considered in extreme infestations.
Flower of the Week: Mexican bush sage
Mexican bush sage, Salvia leucantha, is an excellent perennial for purple color in late summer and autumn. Healthy plants may get as tall and wide as four feet. The fuzzy blooms are produced on spikes above the foliage. If large plants are cut to the ground in late winter, they quickly grow back over the summer and bloom more profusely than plants that are not cut back. Stems that lay on the ground eventually take root and may be planted elsewhere. They prefer full sun exposure, but will tolerate some light shade.
Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408.358.2574.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
