Garden Mums
Meadow View produces mums in all the popular fall colors. The varieties we have today, especially the Belgian varieties, have been developed for color and growth habit. They are all well formed and make a great addition to any garden especially when they are planted in early all for enjoyment until winter takes over.
Mums prefer a sunny location. Water them well when planting and later when you see them wilt slightly. Normally the cool fall temperatures and frequent rains reduce watering to a minimum. Fertilization is not necessary but a root stimulator type plant food would be beneficial.
Mulching will help your mums survive our Ohio winters. When freezing temperatures come, usually in December, it is a good idea to cover the plants with leaves, pine needles or other mulch materials. Do NOT cut the tops back at this time! The dead tops will help keep the mulch in place when the winds blow during the winter months. About mid March or early April remove any mulch that covers the plant to avoid rotting the crown.
When the mum starts growing next spring fertilize with a balanced granular fertilizer, Osmocote is an excellent plant food. Mums should be cut back in the early spring when the mulch is removed to about 3" high and then about July 4th to about 6 ".
Gardening Tips for September
* It's time to start to clean up the perennial garden. Cut back some of the unsightly old growth, only trim back about half way at this time. If the foliage looks good or there are still flowers allow them to do their thing.
* Control weeds by pulling out those going to seed. And treat the thistle and other perennial weeks with Round Up. This will give a head start on next year.
* Cut back the scapes on your daylilies, this will make them more attractive in the garden. You can also remove some of the older dead leaves and even cut the tops back so new growth will come out and look much more attractive. This not necessary but just makes the garden tidy.
* Avoid trimming shrubbery and trees this month. It could stimulate late fall growth that could be damaged by the early onset of winter. It is better to delay any major trimming until the plants are fully dormant. This will occur in late November.
* Now is the time to do any major lawn renovations. This is the absolute best time to do core aeration, seeding, fall fertilization and broadleaf weed control. Grass thrives on the warm days and cool nights of the fall and the weed competition is negligible.
* Just sit back and enjoy your yard. Hang the hammock, grab a good book and drift off to a good snooze. You have worked the garden all summer, now is the time to relax.
