FALL...
available at
Uncle John’s Plant Farm and Gift Barn
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9am to 6pm
Thursday to 8:30pm
Closed Sunday
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FOR FALL BULBS!
FALL BULB PLANTING can occur from mid-August until the soil freezes. Daffodils, however, are best planted in September or early October because they require a longer period for root development.
Choose a planting site in full sun, but with protection from the hottest midday summer sun. Planting under or near large deciduous trees that cast filtered shade works well. Plants in full sun will bloom earlier than those in partial shade. A few plants that withstand partial shade include daffodils; Triumph, Parrot, and Fosterana tulips; some hardy lilies; some Crocus; Siberian squill (Scilla); checkered lily (Fritillaria); and some windflowers (Anemone).
Soil of a medium sandy-loam texture is ideal because it provides good aeration and drainage. Bulbs must not be planted in areas that do not drain well, or they will perform poorly or rot. If soil is a heavy clay, mix it with one-third to one-half organic material such as peat moss, compost, or aged bark. Raised beds also provide good drainage. Soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
Work soil 12 inches deep; loose soil below the bulb is important for good root development. Incorporate three pounds of a complete fertilizer (such as a 5-10-10) per 100 square feet as you are preparing the soil.
Recommended planting depths are given to the bottom of the bulb. For hyacinths, plant six inches deep; tulips, six inches or deeper; and daffodils, six to eight inches deep. Smaller bulbs in these groups and the minor bulbs are planted shallower. Large bulbs should be spaced four to six inches apart; small bulbs one to two inches. For a greater effect, plant in clumps or irregular masses rather than singly.
Once planted, replace half the depth of soil, then water. Finish covering with soil and water again. If fall weather is dry, water as needed to promote good root development. Mulch may be placed over newly planted areas once the soil has frozen to a depth of one to two inches. This keeps soil frozen and prevents alternate freezing and thawing, which may cause the soil to heave and injure newly planted bulbs.
Mulch can be placed over bulbs planted very late in the season to extend the root development period. The mulch can also be used to keep prepared soil from freezing. This method can be used for bulbs, such as hardy lilies, that cannot be obtained until very late in the season. After planting and as soon as soil has frozen to a depth of one to two inches, replace mulch.
In spring, rabbits feed on tulip and lily foliage. Chicken-wire enclosures or some of the taste repellents work fairly well.
For more information on bulbs CLICK HERE to visit the Ohio State Extension web site.
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CHRYSANTHEMUMS
Chrysanthemums are the most popular fall flower. They range in height from one foot to three and a half foot tall. They come in a brilliant array of colors including, red, pink, orange, purple, yellow and white.
Mums bloom abundantly for many weeks. When cut the flowers can last for up to two weeks in a vase. Garden mums have a pleasant fragrance that is not overbearing.
Place the purchased chrysanthemum plant into a hole no deeper then it was already growing in the pot. Leave about twelve inches between plants. Water newly planted mums thoroughly until they take root. Afterwards weekly watering should be sufficient unless there is a drought.
All types of the chrysanthemums like rich, well-drained soil and full sun. Chrysanthemums should be divided every two or three years to insure bushy, healthy plants. To divide, simply dig them up leaving space around the roots and split the plant into two. Replant both halves separately, making sure to keep them both growing at the same depth as the original one.
In early spring you need to cut back any remaining stems from the previous year. Add a light dose of organic fertilizer and mulch around the plant. To encourage late blooming flowers and compact growth of your chrysanthemums, you will also need to trim the plants twice during the growing season. The first time should be around Mother's day and the second time should be around the fourth of July. Take the plant down two or three inches each time.
While chrysanthemums sold in our area are usually called "hardy" please note that the winters in Northern Ohio can be tough on mums. You should cut off all old flowers which are brown and faded. After all the blooming is over for the fall, cut the entire plants back to about 6". Mulch them with bark or dried leaves and ready them for the dormancy of winter.
Followers of Feng Shui believe that having chrysanthemums around will bring laughter and happiness to your home!
Fresh Arrangements
Uncle John's Plant Farm can also create a custom arrangement just for you. Whether it's for you or to cheer up a loved one in the hospital, we can put together a beautiful live arrangement or container garden of any size. We can also do the dirty work when it comes to re-potting your growing house plants. Contact us today to learn more about our wide variety of plants, custom arrangements and plant services.
