Fall Planting!

I know it has been a while since I posted about gardening but I've been prompted by a couple of things to do a little, on-line gardening! Most of you know that I am a member of the King County Master Gardener Program. I've been a Master Gardener for five years. The Washington State University Extension Master Gardener program began in 1972 right here in King County. The program now exists in all 50 states and many other countries. The King County Master Gardener program is one of the largest in the world. Basically the Master Gardener Program trains volunteers to be community educators by providing science-based information on horticulture and environmentally sound gardening practices. It's a great organization to belong - I've enjoyed it very much and learned a great deal in the process. It's also a great way to be involved in the local gardening community. Many of you who read this blog know that two years ago I was the chair for the annual plant sale. After taking a break from the sale in 2008 - I have just agreed to be co-chair for the 2009 sale! I will be working with a great chair and look forward to the sale. I will reaching out looking for family and friends as volunteers so watch out!

Now on to just a little gardening.......

Fall is the ideal time to get busy planting here in the Pacific Northwest. Especially after the fall rain begins and the soil is moist so you do not need to worry as much about watering you new plants. During fall, the soil is still warm and air temperatures are moderate so new plants won’t get stressed by excessive heat or extreme cold. The mild winters climate of the Puget Sound area provides excellent conditions for plant roots to grow and become established, taking advantage of soil moisture from all the rain we are so famous for! Perennials, shrubs, and trees planted in the fall get off to a much faster, more vigorous start the following spring because their root systems are larger and much better established. A well-developed root system means that plants will be ahead of the game next spring. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic materials whenever you plant. This improves soil fertility and helps the soil hold extra moisture. Poor site preparation often prevents plants from ever becoming well established and thriving. Use proper planting techniques and follow up with a regular watering and fertilizing program. You will be off to a good start for next spring.

I especially love planting things in the fall only to forget about them until the following spring when they start to bud - one of my favorite things about spring is walking around the yard and discovering what has survived winter only to get larger.

Happy planting!

Later -

Jim