The past year has been a mixed bag for our gardens. Our gardening guru, Michael Nichols from Turf 2 Trees Horticulture, has been fielding quite a few calls about the infamous black beetle [aka lawn grub] wreaking havoc on lawns in the Highlands. These sneaky larvae can cause serious damage by munching on grass roots, leaving your lawn parched and peeling back. If you spot these critters in your yard, it’s best to act fast and seek treatment pronto.
But it’s not all doom and gloom! The year has also brought us a bumper crop thanks to some generous rainfall. Michael’s been so overloaded with pears and apples, that he had to resort to making cider just to keep up! Very cool!
So, what do we do with our gardens amongst all that?
Well, just keep trucking, says Michael.
“Just keep doing the basics. Planting at the right time, pruning at the right time and planning ahead for whatever looks like is coming our way!”
Awesome – here’s Michael’s tips on what to plant and prune in autumn, and how to get proactive in the garden for the warmer months.
Making Plans For Winter
Autumn is a perfect time to plan for any transplanting of plants or changes within the garden.
The work is typically done in winter but it’s an excellent idea to start planning in autumn in case it turns out to be a bigger project than expected.
Start by taking lots of photos of your garden because it can be hard to remember where everything was when you eventually start moving things around. Grab a pencil and paper and get sketching out your design ideas and to mark positions in the garden, we recommend using bamboo canes to do this.
Redesigning things like flower beds is best done in winter but getting the designs all mapped out is worth doing in autumn.
WHAT TO PLANT
March
March onwards should be bringing cooler temps and milder weather conditions. This is ideal for plants to establish their root systems without the stress of extreme heat or cold. Also, many annual plants have finished their growing season, so there is less competition for resources in the soil, sunlight, and water. This allows newly planted seeds or transplants to establish themselves more quickly and with less competition from other plants. Now is the time to start planting cabbages, carrots, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
April
Autumn usually brings more consistent rainfall, which provides sufficient moisture for plants to grow and establish strong root systems. The last couple of years definitely felt like an exception to that rule but the April forecast is looking more predictable this year. Cooler temperatures also reduce water evaporation from the soil, ensuring plants receive enough water. Time to plant your kale, lettuce and spinach as well as cauliflower. And for your bulb’s plant your tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses.
May
Many pests and diseases that affect plants are less active or dormant during the cooler months of autumn, reducing the likelihood of damage or infection. Planting in late autumn also allows plants to establish roots and prepare for growth in the following spring, giving them a head start and increasing the likelihood of successful growth and productivity. Now is the time to plant annuals like pansies, snapdragons, chrysanthemums and alyssum. [And just make sure you don’t have any rabbits lurking about. They don’t take holidays.]
What to Prune
It’s best to give hedges their final prune before the cooler weather sets in so grab those secateurs, hedge shears and pole pruners [if you’re going high!].
WHAT TO PLAN FOR
March
Firstly, let’s look at renovating cool-season grasses – like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and fescue which we find all across the Highlands, where temperatures are cool to moderate.
These grasses thrive in spring and autumn, making autumn the perfect time for a little refresh. Cooler temperatures and increased rainfall create ideal growing conditions, helping cool-season grasses bounce back quickly from any summer wear and tear.
April
In April the cool-season grasses will be focusing on root growth rather than top growth, meaning that any new seed or sod will establish roots more deeply and be more resistant to drought in the following growing season. Also, weeds are less active, meaning that any new seed or sod is less likely to have to compete with weeds for nutrients, water, and sunlight. If your lawn has suffered from summer stress due to heat, drought, or disease, renovating in March or April can help it recover and prepare for the next growing season.
May
Like we said earlier, if you have any garden renovations coming up and haven’t started planning then make May the time. And if you’re starting from scratch with both a flower garden or an edible garden, May is the perfect month to get going with the set-up. While you’re at it, don’t toss those fallen leaves — they make excellent mulch or compost, and can also help protect frost- and cold wind-sensitive plants like citrus as the chill sets in.
May is also a great time to fertilise camellias and azaleas to support strong flowering and healthy growth through winter and into spring.
Renovating cool-season grasses in autumn typically involves aerating the soil, dethatching [scarifying] overseeding or reseeding, and fertilizing to ensure healthy growth.
It’s important to note that specific renovation techniques may vary depending on the grass species and variety, as well as the overall health and condition of the lawn.
It’s a good idea to consult with a local gardening centre or horticulturist [give us a call!] for specific guidance on renovating cool-season grasses in your area.
And, don’t forget Michael has put together a month-by-month guide of what to do and when in the garden during this season. You can check out the spring, winter and summer guides here [bookmark these for later this year].
***
Turf 2 Trees Horticulture is a Landscape and Estate Management biz, specialising in acreage, formal gardens and show gardens with over ten years of horticulture and turf management experience. A local business who has mastered the art of their craft in the unique Highlands climate, the team at Turf 2 Tree focus on efficiency and high-quality property maintenance.