Garden Reminders

Kill off old lawn and reseed

If you want to completely renovate your fescue lawn, now is the time to kill off your old lawn, spread some topsoil to have an even surface and reseed with a good tall fescue. It should be up and looking good in about 10 days, but don't cut it until it is well established. Spread straw over the seed to help keep it moist and prevent runoff during fall rains.

Native color

Even small gardens don't need to be without fantastic fall color. Many native shrubs provide great autumn tints. Fothergilla (Fothergilla major) and Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) are two of the best shrubs available for fall foliage. Both turn shades of orange, yellow, and burgundy. The common spicebush (Lindera benzoin) turns rich yellow and has the added bonus of bright red fruits. The hard-to-find, but worth the effort Alabama croton (Croton alabamensis) is semievergreen, but the older leaves turn fluorescent orange.

Start feeding the birds

Although food for birds is abundant now, begin filling feeders so birds will know where to come for food this winter. Try putting out a few different feeders at different heights, with different size feeder holes, and different foods to see how many types of bird you can attract.

Time to plant trees

Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs in the Hampton Roads area. The mild winters and warm soils let plants get established before the rigors of the (usually) hot dry summers. Small trees and shrubs can also be transplanted now if they are not in a good location. Keep in mind that if the fall or winter is dry, these new plantings may still need water especially if the plants are evergreen.

Watch for falling leaves

Start getting up leaves that are falling. Fallen leaves harbor insects and fungi waiting to come back next spring. Composting those leaves will kill the detrimental organisms. They can be composted by chopping them up with a mower and spreading the resulting mulch in your beds. This mulch is free and will break down quickly to enrich your soil.

Trees need to move

Plant movement causes internal reactions which make plants stronger. If you grow tomatoes from seed, running your hand over the tops of young plants several times a day will lead to sturdier stems and stouter plants. Trees also need to be able to move. If a tree needs staking, make sure it is staked loosely enough to allow it to sway in the wind. This creates what is called reaction wood which is stronger than other types of woody growth. As the tree ages, it will be better able to withstand heavy gusts.

Think green manure

Whether your vegetable garden is large or small, you can take lessons from commercial farmers. Planting a green manure such as winter rye or clover will help reduce erosion and nutrient leaching, and will increase beneficial soil microorganisms. Till this green manure into your garden before planting vegetables in the spring. Talk to your extension agent for recommended planting rates.