How Should Gardeners Prepare for Fall Weather?
2020 Fallby Abiya Saeed
Abiya Saeed is the new MSU Extension Horticulture Specialist.
Fall weather in Montana comes on hard and fast. Many gardeners struggle with where to begin and how much to do at the end of their growing season. Fortunately, Montana State University Extension has a new Horticulture Specialist on staff to help us answer these questions. Abiya Saeed, who prefers Abi, joins Montana State University from Colorado State Extension. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge, particularly regarding pollinators and pollinator conservation.
Abi, how should gardeners be preparing their beds as they begin harvesting and cold weather sets in?
Montana has such a short growing season, compounded by varying growing conditions around the state. I would recommend fall to be the time to prepare garden beds for spring planting so you are ready when the weather gets warm. Soil testing and adding compost, organic matter and other amendments can help garden beds be ready for spring.
What is the best way to overwinter some perennial plants?
For overwintering perennial beds and preparing for the snow, it’s a good idea to mulch over perennial beds with weed free straw, about 4-6 inches deep. Straw mulch will eliminate the risk of weeds. This will keep the crown and root from freezing during very cold weather and keeps plants dormant during the occasional warm snaps. It will be important to wait until after the first hard freeze before mulching to keep the plants from being smothered. Because of dry weather, be sure to maintain watering through the fall and taper water to the end of the season so plants can harden off. Hardening off allows the plants to slow their growth, thicken cell walls, store vital nutrients and generally prepare for cold weather.
What is the best way to remove and store bulbs for next year’s planting?
Tender bulbs and rhizomes that can be especially susceptible to cold conditions, such as caladium, calla Lillie, dahlias and begonias should be the first plants to be dug out and stored. Wait until the first hard frost before digging the plants, cut the stems with 2-4 inches above the soil remaining. Remove any excess soil from the roots. Be gentle with the roots so that you don’t cause nicks or scratches on the bulbs. Do this on a warm fall day, around 50 degrees, to keep from shocking the bulbs if the weather is too warm. It is important that if you find any damaged or oozing bulbs to remove them from storage. Bring the bulbs indoors and store them in a place that is going to be above 60 degrees and allow the bulbs to set out for 2-4 weeks so they dry out. Once bulbs are dry, store them in a place with a steady temperature between 40-50 degrees in paper bags or boxes. Using paper bags/ boxes allows the air to circulate around the bulbs. If you are packing bulbs in a box, be sure to use newspaper or straw to promote air circulation.