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Hort Shorts for September 17, 2020 -- Landscapes

A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.

Chrysanthemum

Planting Chrysanthemums

Select hardy, early blooming cultivars from garden centers (not florist shops). Plant ASAP. Mulch after the ground freezes. It’s better to plant mums in spring to allow time for establishment.

Wildflower Meadows

Kill a patch of lawn with glyphosate. Cultivate two weeks later and sow seeds. Seeds will germinate next year. Sowing guides are available online from northern prairie seed companies.

Planting Trees in Fall

Plant trees early enough to allow several weeks of root growth and recovery. Ideal planting dates are shown. Chances of success diminish later in the year.

Fertilize Lawns

Fall is the most critical time to fertilize the lawn. This feeding will develop a thicker turf and prepare the lawn for winter. Fertilize ASAP. Fertilizations in October may lead to winter injury.

Kill Perennial Weeds

The best time to kill dandelion, thistle and other perennial weeds is in mid to late September. The weeds will channel the herbicide down into their roots as they prepare for winter.

Aerate Lawns

Fall is the best time to aerate a lawn. Use a self-propelled unit with vertically operating, hollow tines. Two to four passes are best. Aeration is especially beneficial in compacted or thatchy soils.

Sow Lawn Seed

Sow seed ASAP to allow seedlings sufficient time to get established before winter. Prepare seed bed, fertilize and keep soil moist until seedlings emerge.

Sod pallet

Lay Sod

Cultivate soil and mix in a starter fertilizer. Stagger sod pieces like laying bricks. Fill gaps with soil. Stake if needed to keep in place. Keep moist for 1–2 weeks.

Boxelder Bugs

Bugs will congregate on sunny walls to stay warm. Seal crevices along doors and windows. Spray with 5 TBSP of detergent per gallon of water. Continue spraying as bugs appear.

Written by Tom Kalb, Extension Horticulturist, North Dakota State University. Photos were made available under Creative Commons licenses specified by the photographers: Mustang Joe; Putneypics; Joe Zeleznik, NDSU; Tom Kalb, NDSU; Martijn van Sabben; Paul Tukey; Timo Newton-Syms; Jason Alley; William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.org.

Published in the NDSU Yard & Garden Report for September 17, 2020.

Recent Hort Shorts forLandscapes: October 2, 2020.

Filed under: Herbicides, Horticulture, Tom Kalb, Gardening, Sod, Mums, Insects, wildflowers, Weeds, Fertilizer, Lawns, Seeding