There Is Still Planty To Do In The Garden Even In The Waning Days Of Summer

Here are some Late Summer and Early Fall Gardening Tips!
While spring is considered the traditional planting season for most people, late summer and early fall are also an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, cool crop veggies and spring-flowering bulbs. Late summer and fall are also a perfect time to seed lawns.

Cool Crop Planting 
Before sowing these second crops, turn over the soil and mix in some balanced organic fertilizer/soil conditioner. Bumper Crop for example, works great to replace what earlier plants have used up. Since left-over debris like stems or roots from the first planting can cause problems in seed germination if not removed, wait a week or two before seeding the second crop. Also, be sure to remove this material as completely as possible. (If you are growing from seed especially). 
    The next thing to consider is, how long does it take for the particular crop to mature? (This info can usually be found on the back of the seed packets). Some crops mature in 30 days. For example, leafy crops such as lettuces, spinach, beans, kale, swiss chard, peas, chives and even herbs like basil, chives, oregano, parsley and thyme. Then, there are crops that mature in approximately 60 days such as: early carrots, leeks, turnips and some varieties of cabbage. Finally, crops that mature in approximately 90 days–which should be planted right about now– include brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and various varieties of cabbage. These are only a few examples and as always, are varying exceptions in all gardening. 
    Keep a record of what and when you planted, as this will help you with future cool crop planting. 

TREES AND SHRUBS
Balled, bur-lapped and container-grown trees and shrubs can be planted in late summer and fall. Evergreens should be planted from mid-August through September. Planting during this period allows the evergreens to become established before the onset of winter. Deciduous trees and shrubs (those that drop their leaves in the fall), can be planted from August through early November. Trees and shrubs planted in late summer and fall should be watered really well. The reason being, to establish the root systems before winter and watering should be continued prior to the ground freezing.

PERENNIALS
Late summer and early fall is an excellent time to plant perennials. It is also a good time to move or divide perennials, such as: peony, day-lily, garden phlox, and oriental poppy. Perennials planted in late summer and early fall should be mulched with about 2 inches; in late fall, about 4 inches. Mulching helps prevent repeated freezing and thawing of the soil which can damage recently planted or transplanted perennials.

LAWNS
Home gardeners can begin seeding their lawns in mid-August. Late summer and early fall seeding has several advantages over spring seeding. During the cool-season, grass germinates quickly in the warm soil from late summer. The warm days and cool nights of early fall promote rapid grass growth since grass has less competition from weeds. A new lawn can also be established by sodding. With that being said, the best times to sod are spring and late summer/fall. Don't forget, a good fall feeding strengthens your lawn and prepares it for the harsher days of winter!

SPRING FLOWERING BULBS WILL BE ARRIVING SOON
    Fall is the time to plant tulips, daffodils, and other spring-flowering bulbs. We have found that planting bulbs in groups or clusters seem to achieve maximum visual impact in the spring. In this instant gratification world we live in, it may seem like a long time to wait for results. However,  after a long cold winter, you will be thrilled with the gorgeous flowers you produce. Spring-flowering bulbs can be planted as late as December if the ground remains unfrozen.
    Late summer and early fall is time for gardeners to enjoy the fruits of their spring gardening labor, but it is also time to plan and plant for the future! Happy Gardening!