Sorting Out the Fall Chores
Likewise, it's too late now to plant more evergreens in my yard. That window closed with a bang in mid October. Since evergreens continue to respire all winter, they must have had time to develop at least a rudimentary new root system before the ground freezes and now there is not time. More time saved.
I had a list of perennials and a shrub that I wanted to move to new locations, but now they won't have time to get over their transplant shock in time to prepare for their dormancy, so I am better off waiting until spring. Another time saving.
I can still plant those great bargains I got at a garden center I visited recently because they have intact root systems in their pots. I will just make a point of mulching them well once the ground has frozen so that their tenuous new root connections won't be damaged by thawing and refreezing in late winter.
I will still need to prepare my containers for winter, but I can take some shortcuts that will prevent the worst winter damage. My large, expensive, real terracotta pots should come into the garage or be covered where they stand to protect them. I can remove some of the soil so there won't be a wet ball that will expand as it freezes to break the pot. The pot can also be covered early enough for the soil in it to dry sufficiently to prevent the problem. My plastic pots may have to take their chances. The wooden ones may be loosened by the ice, but they can be tightened up in spring with another screw or two. Those of you without a lot of containers won't have this chore, but I wouldn't be without them in summer.
I did manage to find time to put in the spring blooming bulbs I bought. If you find that you don't get yours in before the ground freezes, just plan on forcing them for your indoor enjoyment. Here is information on how to do that. They can't be held in refrigeration or anywhere else that will keep them in any condition to plant out next spring. If you don't want to force them or haven't time, give them to an older child along with the directions. It is a great indoor winter adventure and could be worth points at school.
There are some things that can gladly be taken
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