Landscape

        • Sow grass seed to plant or renovate your lawn this month. Tall fescue is a great choice for our area.

        • Look for the term “endophyte” on the label when purchasing grass seed. Endophytes are fungi that naturally protect grass from a number of pests.

        • Remove broadleaf weeds from your lawn so they won't be back next year. Hand dig the weeds from newly seeded areas; use herbicides only on established lawns.

        • Fertilize established lawns now at a rate of 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.

        • Plant trees and shrubs so that roots can get established over the winter. You will be rewarded by lush spring growth.

        • Remember that fall-planted trees and shrubs need water and mulch to survive the winter.

Flowers

       • Rejuvenate your perennial garden about every five years by removing plants, digging in manure or compost, and replanting.

        • Divide spring and summer blooming perennials now. Divide fall blooming perennials in early spring.

        • Gather and destroy fallen leaves from rose bushes to prevent over-wintering of disease organisms like the fungus that causes black spot.

Fruits and vegetables

       • Harvest pears when the dots on the skin begin to turn brown, and allow them to continue ripening off the tree.

        • Dig onions and garlic when necks flop over and leaves begin to dry.

        • Dig potatoes, and allow them to air dry for a week or two before storing in a cool, dark location.

        • Leave carrots, leaks and turnips in the ground this winter until you are ready to eat them. Mulch heavily to prevent freezing.

Eco tip

       Test your soil pH to prepare for fall or spring fertilization. Proper soil pH is necessary for plants to absorb nutrients from the soil. Each section of the garden or landscape should be tested separately. For more information on taking a soil test, contact the Civic Garden Center horticulture hotline, 221-7733.

        Contact Sue Trusty by e-mail strusty@isoc.net; phone: 221-7733.

Every piece tells a story
Aging Aerosmith still packs a wallop
Plants thrive in fall's cool air and warm soil
Things to do this week
This garden is therapy for the soul
Toil with soil for well-fed bed
We tested it: Tools easy on wrists
Gerald at Dance Theatre of Harlem
Smothers Brothers add fizz to Pops opener
Circle this
In the know
Get to it