Preparing Your Garden for Fall: What Boise Gardeners Should Do Now!
Updated: Aug 26
As August begins to wind down, the garden may still look and feel like summer, but fall is just around the corner. Here in Boise and throughout the Treasure Valley, this is an important transition period for gardeners. Many of the references we make in this article you may recognize from last week, but we can’t stress enough the importance of caring for your plants this time of year.
The days are gradually getting shorter, temperatures will eventually begin to cool, and plants are preparing for the change of seasons. That makes late August and early September an excellent time to start preparing your garden for fall rather than waiting until the first cold night arrives.
A little preparation now can make your garden healthier, easier to manage, and more beautiful next spring.
1. Keep Watering — But Pay Attention to Your Plants
One of the biggest mistakes gardeners can make at the end of summer is assuming their plants no longer need much water (I know, we discussed this last week, but it’s extremely important).
Boise's late-summer heat can continue well into September, and trees, shrubs, perennials, and newly planted landscape plants still need adequate moisture.
However, watering should be based on the needs of your plants and the weather rather than simply following a calendar.
Pay particular attention to:
Newly planted trees and shrubs
Perennials planted this year
Container plants
Plants growing in particularly hot or exposed locations
Plants showing signs of heat or drought stress
As temperatures begin to cool, you can gradually adjust your watering schedule. But don't allow plants to enter fall severely dry.
2. Start Thinking About Fall Planting
One of the best reasons to look forward to fall is that it can be an excellent planting season.
University of Idaho Extension identifies early fall as one of the best times to plant trees and shrubs because plants are experiencing less top growth while their roots can continue becoming established.
That makes fall a great time to evaluate your landscape.
Walk around your property and ask yourself:
Is there an empty spot where a tree or shrub would improve the landscape?
Does a garden bed need more color?
Could you use an evergreen for winter interest?
Is there an area that needs screening or privacy?
Are there plants that have outgrown their current locations?
Would a flowering tree add spring color next year?
Don't wait until spring to start thinking about these improvements. Fall can be an excellent opportunity to get new landscape plants established before next year's growing season and Aloha Home and Garden is offering outstanding discounts on many of the shrubs and trees.in stock. And on the week of August 20th, we are getting in a fresh supply of Perennial Hibiscus as well as Fall Mums.
3. Look at Your Perennial Garden
Late summer is also a good time to evaluate your perennial beds.
Some plants may have finished blooming, while others are still providing plenty of late-season color. Take a few minutes to look at the overall garden.
Are there bare spots?
Are some plants crowded?
Are there areas that could use additional height, texture, or color?
Fall is often a good time to plant or transplant many perennials. University of Idaho guidance notes that bare-root perennials are best planted in spring or fall, while container-grown perennials can be planted during the growing season when conditions are suitable.
And remember: a perennial garden doesn't have to look perfect every day. Some plants provide valuable habitat and winter interest even after their flowers have faded.
4. Don't Forget Your Trees and Shrubs
Your trees and shrubs deserve some attention before fall arrives.
Check plants for:
Dead or damaged branches
Broken limbs
Signs of insects or disease
Drought stress
Branches rubbing against each other
Plants that may have outgrown their location
Be careful about heavy pruning simply because fall is approaching. The proper pruning time depends on the type of plant and when it flowers. University of Idaho Extension cautions that pruning at the wrong time can stimulate unwanted growth or interfere with flowering and fruiting.
If you're unsure whether a tree or shrub should be pruned now, it's better to identify the plant and determine the appropriate pruning window first.
5. Check Your Soil and Garden Beds
Fall is a great time to take a closer look at your soil.
If you've noticed that water isn't penetrating well, plants aren't performing as expected, or your garden soil has become compacted, this is a good time to investigate.
Remember that Treasure Valley soils can be challenging, and soil conditions can vary considerably from one property to another.
Rather than automatically adding fertilizer or amendments, consider having your soil tested. Knowing what your soil actually needs is much better than guessing.
Fall is also a good time to add an appropriate amount of organic matter (Ferti-lome
to garden beds and prepare areas where you plan to plant in the coming season.
6. Keep Weeds From Going to Seed
Don't let the approaching end of summer convince you that weeding season is over.
Removing weeds before they produce and spread seeds can save you considerable work next year.
Walk through your garden beds regularly and remove weeds while they're still manageable. Be especially aware of aggressive weeds that can quickly spread throughout a planting bed.
A few minutes spent weeding now can mean fewer weeds to deal with when spring arrives.
7. Think About Mulch
A good layer of mulch can provide several benefits in the landscape.
Mulch can help conserve soil moisture, moderate soil temperatures, and reduce competition from weeds.
If your existing mulch has become thin, look at the depth and condition of the material and replenish it where necessary.
Just remember not to pile mulch directly against the trunks of trees or stems of shrubs. A small gap around the base of the plant helps prevent moisture-related problems.
8. Give Your Lawn Some Attention
Your garden isn't the only part of the landscape that benefits from fall preparation.
As temperatures begin to moderate, your lawn may recover from the stress of summer.
This is a good time to:
Keep mowing at an appropriate height
Continue watering as needed
Address bare or thin areas
Remove excessive thatch when appropriate
Prepare for fall lawn care
A healthy lawn going into winter has a much better chance of getting off to a strong start next spring.
9. Start Planning for Frost
We can't predict exactly when the first frost will arrive, so don't wait until the last minute to think about frost-sensitive plants.
Keep an eye on the weather as September progresses.
If you have annual flowers, container plants, vegetables, or other plants that are sensitive to cold temperatures, know which ones you want to protect and have your frost-protection materials ready.
The goal isn't to panic at the first cool evening. It's simply to be prepared.
10. Take Notes While You Still Remember
Here's one of the easiest things you can do — and one of the most useful.
Take a few notes about your garden while everything is still fresh in your mind.
Write down:
Which plants performed exceptionally well
Which plants struggled
Where you need more color
Which areas received too much or too little water
What you'd like to plant next year
Which plants need to be moved
What supplies you'll need
You might even take a few photographs of your garden.
Those notes will be surprisingly valuable when winter arrives and you're planning next year's garden.
Fall Is a Great Time to Improve Your Landscape
The end of summer doesn't mean the gardening season is over.
In many ways, it's the beginning of another important gardening season.
Fall gives us an opportunity to establish trees and shrubs, plant perennials, improve garden beds, address landscape problems, and prepare our plants for the winter ahead.
And perhaps most importantly, fall gives us time to slow down and look at our gardens with a fresh perspective.
Before you put away your gardening gloves for the season, take a walk through your yard and ask yourself:
“What would make this garden better next year?”
Then start making a plan.
At Aloha Home and Garden, we're here to help you choose the right plants and supplies for your landscape and the Treasure Valley growing conditions. Whether you're looking for a new tree, shrub, perennial, or the materials you need to improve an existing garden, stop by and talk with us.
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