September and October are the best months for planting bulbs and sowing seeds. The day temps have cooled, and night temps are chilly, perfect time to plant.
Fall Bulbs
Creek Side has a good selection of fall bulbs. Tulips, Crocus, Hyacinth and Daffodils to name a few.
- Follow the directions as to the planting depth of each variety.
- Make sure your soil is full of nutrients such as compost. Adding bone meal or another amendment is beneficial for the bulbs but not necessary.
- For a more natural look to you garden in the spring, take a bulb and toss it into your garden. Where the bulb lands – this is where you dig your holes. Keep all the holes open, until you have planted all your bulbs.
- The pointed tip of the bulb is the top end and should face up. Plant 2-5 bulbs in each hole by creating a cluster and you will get a nice show of color in the spring. Tete-a-Tete daffodils and crocus are perfect for grouping.
“One of the healthiest ways to gamble is with a spade and a package of garden seeds.” Dan Bennett, b. 1940 American journalist.
Fall Seeds
The vegetable harvest season is peaking now, but planting is not over. If you have the energy for a cool crop, now is the time to sow seeds. Cool season crops will tolerate frosty temperatures and grow best when the temperatures are cool. This group includes lettuce and other leafy greens, radishes, carrots, beets, onions, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli among others. Directly sow seeds into the ground. Read the instructions on the seed packet for information about seed sowing depth in the soil, spacing of seeds and rows or plants and time to germination.
- Using a cold frame can extend the growth of your vegetable garden. Another season extender would be to use a frost blanket for extra chilly nights. The frost blanket will help hold in the heat and keep your tender crops cozy.
