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The highlight of any gardening is obviously the fruits, and then the harvest. Having grown beyond my sapling stage of understanding that fall gardening entails much more than drying seeds, carving pumpkins or sipping cider, I share in my enlightenment with you that there is still plenty of sowing to be done. If not for the plants themselves, then simply for what we hope to become in the process... a 'bonafied' gardener!
Working the earth and nurturing growth is now become to the genuine gardener a reward within itself. Having tasted the moderate success of trying a hand at flowers and vegetables, and therein, having cultivated a one-on-one relationship with the earth, it is no wonder that there is a fond motivation to keep a good thing going.
In my case, I have now become rather protective of the good earth that surrounds my home. Having invested in it with the sweat of my brow through toiling of soil, weeding and watering, and protecting it against rodents and the harsh elements, I have obtained a primitive sense that it needs me to nurture and care for it.
Almost without knowing, it seems that I have captured a glimpse of the essence of husbandry. My garden has been good to me and I am beginning to identify with the intrinsic factor that gardening is both an art and a science. My labor of love enables my garden more freedom to become more fruitful and beautiful. It is so willing to do its part and merely beckons in exchange for my hand to attend to its seasonal needs. So, just as some folks become rather obsessive over their loyal pet, I too take up the same pride in prizing my garden as a part of family life.
Successful ongoing gardening entails thinking ahead in order to perfect humble beginnings. Autumn is traditionally a time of changing gears. Appropriately, we adjust our pace to suit the terrain. This season, I am beginning with the basics.
Mid September-October is the best time to divide perennials, plant bulbs and prepare new beds for next spring's cultivation.
With regard to understanding the individual needs of a particular plant that I am working with, the soil's hunger for rest & replenishment as well as zoning forecasts of the Pittsburgh region, I have learned a lot about respecting what needs done when and why and how in order to optimize my efforts year round. For instance, late August and early September are traditionally very dry; therefore plants have a limited chance to put down the roots needed to ensure stability through the winter. The latter part of September and early part of October typically provide more favorable conditions. At a time when creatures set themselves to migrate and bulk up for hibernation, likewise is the ideal time to apply to your garden redirection and preparation. Perennials, which no doubt have multiplied in honor of your masterfully executed garden conditions, need to be divided. Leaving them to themselves is kind of like expecting a dozen children to sit quietly through a movie while sharing the same bag of popcorn. Chances are, just after the opening credits, your intervention will be called upon to save someone's life or at least the sanity of the Rose sitting behind them. Keep in mind, as you relocate your perennials, that each species may have a particular sun-shade-soil need or preference.
As for spring blooming bulbs, now is the time to set them in place - heads up! Remember, each bulb variety best springs forth from a particular desired depth condition. Applicable depth instruction can be easily obtained through the Internet, books, packaging, or nursery specialist.
Pressing onward, if you feel like relocating the rhododendron, yew, or planting new trees or shrubs (with very little species exception), now is the time to make your move. Fall is also a very ripe moment for 'tucking' in your gardening beds for a good productive winters rest and rejuvenation. The achievement's of your past season's success will help you. The plentiful remnants of vegetable matter from trees and gardens will recapitulate the soil's vita-composure. After you've fed the composite pile, take the extra measure to complete your 'thinking-ahead-to-spring' mindset by threading your vegetable garden with some trenches. Sufficiently fill the rows with fertilizer and remaining vegetable matter, and then backhoe with soil. Be sure and chop the tree leaves, as this will enable compost acceleration while the fertilizer is providing enrichment for the good bacteria to work.
With the garden now in tow, you may want to consider replenishment of the gardener! I recommend curling up in a chair next to the fire…maybe some snacking of roasted sunflower seeds…pumpkin pie…or perhaps just sipping some cider…and of course, be sure to dig up a good gardening book!
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