Chores remain before first frost hits Lawrence

Whew! This past gardening season might well be one for the record books.

Nonetheless, we have endured and so did our gardens, more or less. But, by now our gardens are well on their way to dormancy, save for the fall bloomers.

Lest we turn our thoughts to indoor activities too quickly, remember a few garden chores remain. Before frosts end our gardening activities we need to tidy up the garden and get it ready for spring. Now is the time to plant all those spring blooming bulbs  tulips, daffodils and crocuses  into the ground so roots can form before the soil gets too cold.

When it comes to planting bulbs, gardeners frequently ask, “Which end is up?” The pointed end is usually the top, the end from which the plant stem and flower will emerge. The flattened part, from which the roots grow, is the bottom. Fine root hairs may be visible along this surface.

If it is impossible to distinguish the top from the bottom, plant the bulbs on their side. They will make the adjustment and head toward the sun.

A rough guide is to plant the bulb to a depth equal to three to five times the bulb’s height and at a distance about two or three bulb widths apart. After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly. A covering of mulch protects the bulbs from damage caused by sudden freezes and thaws of winter.

Not all bulbs like the Kansas winters. Tender summer blooming bulbs, such as canna and calla lilies, caladiums, gladioli, dahlias and begonias will not survive outdoors in the winter and must be dug up and stored if they are to be planted again next spring.

The average date of the first killing frost for our area is Oct. 15. Caladiums are harvested before the first frost. After they are pulled from the ground, let them dry in a warm place for about a week. Remove dead foliage and store for the winter in a place between 60 and 80 degrees. Surround them with vermiculite, sawdust or perlite.

Gladioli can be dug with a spading fork about two months after the foliage has turned yellow. Remove excess soil and trim back the foliage to within a few inches. Place them in direct sunlight, or at temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees, for about two weeks. Store between 35 and 45 degrees. For ventilation place them one layer deep on vented flats, in mesh bags or shallow boxes covered with sand.

The over-wintering care of canna lilies is similar to gladioli. Dig them before the first frost and trim back the leaves, leaving 12-14 inches of foliage on the rhizome. It is not necessary to remove excess soil or to divide them prior to storage. Allow them to dry and store them in cool temperatures during the winter.

Bulbs that require cool storage can be placed in an insulated garage or cabinet in an unheated garage, provided the temperatures do not get below freezing. Those that require warmer temperatures can be stored in a cool basement, away from the furnace. These tender bulbs should sleep nicely until planting time next spring.

Ah, the annual fall ritual  raking leaves. If possible, don’t throw away those raked leaves. Chop them up with the lawn mower and place them around plants for winter protection. Whole leaves can suffocate plants by preventing water and air from reaching them since their decomposition process is too long. Avoid using unchopped leaves as mulch.

Believe it or not, fall is a great time to deadhead annuals. Don’t expect another rush of flowers this late in the season, though. However, plucking off spent flower blooms prevents errant seeds from lying dormant over the winter lying in wait for spring germination. Remove frost nipped annuals and add them to the compost pile. The remaining bits of soil on the root system aids in the decomposition process.

Continue to mow the lawn as needed and aerate to reduce compaction.

Finally, remember to weed, weed and weed some more. Come spring, you will be so glad you spent time this fall yanking out weeds. Rake up garden debris and make your garden as clean as possible to discourage insects and diseases from having a safe haven.

Then, when everything is tidied up, head inside for cup of hot chocolate.

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