Welcome to "In the Garden"
My name is Tim Riley and I’ve managed the grounds at Wabash College for the past 12 years. I have never met a gardener who didn’t like to share their knowledge and passion for plants. I would like to share mine with you.
My approach to this gardening column is not to recite textbook information, but to give you practical techniques and information that works.
What is happening in the garden, in October?
Well, there is more than I can possibly write about in one article. Our lawns are the happiest this month, and you should remember to fertilize and aerate. A good fertilizer analysis is 32-0-8, most commonly named a “winterizer.”
Fall is a great time to spray the broadleaf weeds in the lawn. Look for broad leaf weed control containing 2,4-D. Always follow label instructions. Weeds will take longer to die in the fall, because of the cooler temperatures.What about planting and dividing perennials in the fall? I say, What are you waiting for? My spring time is so busy at the college, I do most of my gardening in the fall.
You can get some good deals on plants in the fall too. Always keep in mind when choosing a plant to ask yourself, does it look healthy, is it pest free, and are the roots alive? Slide the pot off, and check the roots!
The trick for fall division is to leave the transplants a bit bigger, with as much soil on them as possible. The reason for this is to prevent winter heaving (when the ground freezes, it will force a newly planted above the surface, so pack it with lots of soil).
The Ornamental Grasses are at their peak of beauty right now, but don’t be afraid to divide them (see photos below). For example, if you are dividing a clump of grasses, which is about 12 inches across at the base, spade around the plant six inches out from the base of plant and six inches deep. With your spade pry around the plant, detaching it from the ground below, then take a sharp, flat spade and cut the clump into quarters.
You need to plant your grasses within 24 to 48 hours, because they dry out very quickly when their in full growth. Do not remove or cut any grass blades till March of next year. Water in at the time of planting, and maybe couple more times before winter, depending on the rain fall. Once your ornamental grasses are established, they do best with little or no care. And remember not to cut your grasses down until mid March, because this helps protect the crown of the plant, and provides winter interest in the garden.
Next month I’ll talk about preparing the landscape for winter and tree planting.
Happy Planting.
First, sink the spade six inches deep, six inches out from the plant, all the way around.
Gently lift the root ball to release it from the ground.
Now sink the spade straight down midway through the center of the plant. Make sure to cut all the way through.
Separate the two halves of the original plant.
Make a vertical cut through each of the two halves.
Your single ornamental grass plant is now four plants! Do this now, but when you replant, make sure to use lots of soil to secure them in their new spots to prevent winter heaving.