By Allison Collins
Contributing Writer
Come fall, mum’s the word in floral decor.
Chrysanthemums, bet ter known as mums, have been gaining popularity for years, though their origins and medicinal value date to eighth-century Japan and 15th-century China, ac cording to flowermag.com.
The site notes that “though the flower didn’t venture to American shores until the early 19th century, it has garnered a devoted group of enthusiasts who grow them for competition and even elaborate art displays.” But the flower is most fa miliar, the website says, in fall container gardening.
sources said mums’ har diness and vibrancy con tribute to their popularity.
“Mums are late-flowering, (to) coincide perfectly with the fall holidays,” flower mag.com states. “They are incredibly easy to grow and are a fun addition to any garden. This plant family offers so many different flower types, forms and colors.”
Debbie Annutto, of An nutto’s Farm stand at 5396 state Highway 7 in oneon ta, said they begin growing their roughly 2,500 mums, in nine- and 14-inch pots, in mid-June.
“We raise our own from cuttings … and we have our greenhouses,” she said. “They’re not hard to grow, but you have to fertilize them a lot – all plants you need to fertilize a lot if you
want them to be nice and green, so we fertilize ev ery day – but the custom er doesn’t have to do that. When it reaches the cus tomer, they’re already full.”
Annutto said, in the approximately 30 years she’s been home-growing mums, she’s seen customer demand double.
“i think people like to decorate more,” she said. “They like to decorate and (mums) are pretty rea sonable plants, cost-wise, because they’re kind of in expensive and you get joy out of them for like two to three months, depending on when you buy them.”
That time frame, An nutto said, makes mums well-suited to seasonal dis plays.
“in early september, they start, but there are differ ent (varieties),” she said.
“There’s early-, mid- and late-season mums, so they’re not all flowered at once when you come in here. Most people like midand late-season. The early mums don’t sell as well, because (people’s) regular annuals still look good, so they make them go as long as they can. now, (annuals) are starting to look a little off, so it’s time to get rid of them and put mums in.”
“When everything else in the garden is retreating from summer, choruses of mums are perky harbingers of fall,” flowermag.com echoes.
Annutto said, while the oneonta farm stand offers
a variety of colors, includ ing some tri-color pots, customers prefer solids.
“(The multi-colored mums) are just not as pop ular,” she said, “People like to mix them up, but they like (the colors) separate. And a lot of people just want one color, or to mix yellow and purple or yellow and brown.”
Annutto said she sees customers “from all over, at least a two-hour radius” from oneonta.
Though Annutto said growing conditions were less than ideal this season, and post-pandemic sup ply chain issues are still a factor, the stand will have many mums available “un til the end of october.”
“it was a lot harder this year because it was so hot and humid,” she said. “They don’t like 90-degree temperatures; 80 is oK, or 85, but when you get into the high 90s with high hu midity, they don’t like it and don’t like to blossom. And pots (were hard to pro cure), because the plastic pots are a petroleum-based product, and we got hit with (the fact that) all our plastics are made overseas. We hardly make anything here, so we’re at the mer cy of that all the time and CoViD didn’t help.”
For more information, visit annuttos.com or call the stand at 607-432-7905.
Top: Homegrown mums are displayed at Annutto’s Farm Stand in Oneonta. Left: Mums are featured in a fall decor display.
I think people like to decorate more. They like to decorate and (mums) are pretty reasonable plants, costwise, because they’re kind of inexpensive and you get joy out of them for like two to three months, depending on when you buy them.”
— Debbie Annutto
nT ~ The comfort of a warm fireplace on a cold winter’s night is like no other. However, you must complete a few tasks this fall to keep your home safe and se cure through those long, cold months. Use this guide to get your house’s interior ready to face Mother nature’s fury.
if you’re waiting until the first frost to ensure your heaters are in good working order, you may be in for a nasty surprise. Before turning on your heat sources, ensure they have at least four inches of clearance. Take this opportunity to inspect and clean the units. Better yet, hire a professional to take care of it for you.
Remove fly screens to prevent condensation and safeguard them against the ele ments. Check the window and door frames to ensure they’re tightly sealed. if ne cessary, caulk any vulnerable spots or replace the weatherstrip.
Check that your smoke alarms and carbon mo noxide detectors work by pressing the test button and listening for a beep. Replace the batteries if you haven’t done so re cently. Additionally, take a glance at your fire ex tinguishers and ensure the seal is still intact so they’re ready for action in case of emergency.
Give your air exchanger’s filters and screens a good washing to ensure you and your family breathe clean air all winter long. Moreover, vacuum out the air ducts to remove any dust that’s accumulated.
Check that your sump pump is func tioning correctly. To do so, gradually pour a bucket of water into the tank. The pump should immediately activate to clear out the water.
Carefully store your portable or window-mounted air conditioner to pro tect it from bad weather and dust accumulation. Before you put it away, remember to clean the filters.
Content provided in part by Newspaper Toolbox and Metro Creative Services.
interest in wood-burning stoves is heat ing up, thanks to post-pandemic condi tions and climbing fuel prices.
“in normal times, usually our business starts picking up around August, when we start to get cool nights,” said Alysia Howard, owner of Hearths A’Fire at 7352 state Highway 23 in oneonta. “This year has been different, because it hasn’t slowed down at all, because of fuel prices skyrock eting, so people are getting wood stoves year-round.
“People are mainly looking at wood stoves to reduce fuel oil consumption, be cause it is looking like (prices are) going to be even higher as the winter months come upon us,” she continued, “so, i see a lot of people looking for an alternative source of heat that’s more reasonable. it’s definitely a cost-saver, and it is an investment in the beginning, but it’s going to pay off for the consumer in the long run.”
Wood stove options at Hearths A’Fire, Howard said, range from $1,500 to $4,000.
A 2021 article at bloomberg.com echoes: “soaring prices for natural gas, propane and oil are pushing many to try heat
ing their homes at least partially with old-fashioned wood.”
And bobvila.com states, “steadily in creasing prices for fossil fuels are causing some consumers to reconsider the ulti mate renewable resource, wood.”
Demographics of wood stove users, sources said, are varied and linked to pan demic conditions.
“it’s a definite mix, from younger profes sionals up to the older generation that we see coming in,” Howard said, noting that Hearths A’Fire customers typically span a 60-mile radius from oneonta. “We saw an influx of downstate people moving to the area (during the pandemic), and a lot of them wanting to put in wood stoves.”
“some of this is a work-from-home thing,” the bloomberg.com piece says. “White-collar workers cooped up in their suburban homes or country escapes are rediscovering the joys of an evening by the fire. But there’s a grimmer economic force driving the surge in demand, too: soaring prices for heating oil, natural gas and pro pane – key parts of the broader inflation surge – are pushing many Americans to try heating their homes … with firewood.
“Just over 1% of households will use firewood or wood pellets as their primary heating source in the U.s. this winter, the U.s. Energy information Administration estimates,” the article continues. “That may not seem like a lot, but it equates to some 1.7 million households … (and) an other 8% of the population will use wood as a secondary heating source, according to the EiA.”
Though Howard said the type of wood burned is a matter of preference, it should be procured about “a year ahead of time.”
“you should’ve already done that,” she said, “because it needs to be seasoned. Most people start looking in at least the spring, if not sooner.”
And though prices for firewood have risen, too, Howard said many wood stove owners cut their own.
“People are looking at the wood stove because it is a source of heat that does not require electricity and a lot of people have acreage with wood on it, so it’s reasonable when they use their own lumber or wood from their land.”
Howard said correct installation and maintenance are key for long-term wood stove function.
“you need to install it properly; some people don’t go by the codes, and if you’re
Jotul wood stoves are among the five brands offered at Hearths A’Fire in Oneonta.
installing a wood stove, you want to do it per the manufacturer’s specifications and fire codes and building codes,” she said, noting that Hearths A’Fire offers instal lation. “And if you have a wood stove, it’s always important to have your chimney cleaned before you start burning for the season. it’s good to get your wood and have dry wood prepared for burning.”
Despite supply chain issues, Howard said, Hearths A’Fire is well stocked with wood stoves.
“There’s definitely been supply issues, but i’ve been doing this for long enough that i did increase my inventory earlier, so we could have products when the season hit,” she said, noting that Hearths A’Fire began 28 years ago. “We offer five different brands of wood stove, made of different products – cast iron, soapstone, steel – and ... we have from smaller to larger wood stoves, depending on what square footage you want to heat.”
For more information, go to hearthsa fire.com or visit the showroom at 7352 state Highway 23 in oneonta.
Firewood sits piled and awaiting winter usage.People are looking at the wood stove because it is a source of heat that does not require electricity and a lot of people have acreage with wood on it, so it’s reasonable when they use their own lumber or wood from their land.”
— Alysia HowardALLISON COLLINS
nT ~ in the fall, you need to do seve ral things to prepare your yard for the cold winter weather and ensure green and lush growth come spring. Here’s what you need to know.
Cut away leaves and prune stems and branches so the hedge can breathe and absorb more light. you should also cut back shrubs when they begin turning yellow or their stems start to droop.
Bring potted plants inside and use burlap to cover plants that don’t handle the extreme cold. Dig up non-hardy bulbs like dahlias and cannas and store them inside. Thin out your perennials and protect the roots by applying a ge nerous layer of mulch. if you want a co lorful garden come spring, plant tulips, crocuses, daffodils and other hardy bul bs.
After your last harvest, compost your plants and till the soil. Fall is also the ideal time to plant certain vegetables, like garlic, leeks and Egyptian onions.
Rake up dead leaves and mow your lawn to a height of at least two inches to promote light absorption and weed re sistance. you can also use a potas sium-rich fertilizer that’s low in nitro gen to strengthen the lawn.
Finally, turn off your outdoor water taps and drain any garden hoses. if ne cessary, remove the pumps from your pond.
MCs ~ Winter begins on December 21, 2022, and extends to March 20, 2023, in the northern Hemisphere. Those three months can be both beautiful to behold and difficult to endure.
Winter has its share of safety hazards, and extra effort may be required to protect one’s health and well-being when the chill creeps in. in recognition of that, the national safety Council and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer these winter safety tips.
1. Winterize your home to keep interior temperatures comfortable and prevent weather-related damage. Winterizing includes insulating water lines that run along exterior walls, cleaning out gutters, installing weather stripping, and replen ishing insulation.
2. Exercise in cold temperatures can put many people at risk of heart attack –especially those who are typically inactive. if you must exercise in cold weather, remember to stretch beforehand. Take breaks when shoveling or ask for help.
3. Check carbon monoxide alarms to see if they are working properly. Every year in the United states, more than 400 people die from and 50,000 are treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. Exhaust from improperly vented heating appliances can contribute to carbon monoxide sickness.
4. Prepare a winter emergency kit and keep it in your car in case you are stranded in inclement weather. The kit can include food, water, blankets, first-aid supplies, flares, and booster cables, among other items.
5. Wear appropriate clothing for the temperature and precipitation. layers can be added or removed as needed.
6. sprinkle sand or cat litter on icy patches of walkways to improve traction. sand or cat litter is easier on the environment than some chemical ice melt products.
7. Consider a whole-house generator as an emergency backup if the power goes out in winter. Generators can keep the heat running and the refrigerator humming along until power is restored.
8. Exercise caution with space heaters and other supplemental heating devices. Turn them off when you leave the room, and do not leave them on overnight while you are sleeping.
9. slow down when driving in the snow. Black ice patches can be difficult to see, and snow itself can reduce tire traction. leave extra time to get where you need to be.
Gardening enthusiasts recognize that fall is not a time to rest on their laurels. In fact, fall is a great season to spend time in the yard. The Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment at the University of Massachusetts Amherst indicates fall is the ideal time to improve the soil for next season. Amending the soil in the fall allows it to react accordingly over time and reap the benefits in spring. UMass suggests getting an accurate soil test to see what is needed in the garden. Samples should be taken from various areas. Avoid doing so when the soil is very wet. At-home kits can test for nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous and determine the soil’s pH. Garden ers should till the soil and add compost or manure, which will counteract many nutritional deficiencies. Worm castings also are good to add, particularly for summer vegetable gardens. The gardening company Park Seed says that worm castings are high in minerals and effective at holding water – so much so that they even can be used alone in place of potting soil. Crushed egg shells, coffee grounds and banana peels also can be added in the fall, even if they are not part of a compost pile. The nutrients will break down throughout the fall and winter, and be available just in time for summer plantings. — MCS
10. Consider switching from gloves to mittens. With fingers touching each other inside mit tens, they help generate more body heat than when they’re in side gloves. These are just a few safety tips to heed during win ter.
after the vehicle driving ahead of them has passed it.
• Don’t drive impaired. Drugs, alcohol and fatigue can adversely affect perfor mance behind the wheel. Precise move ments, fast-thinking and focus are ad versely affected when driving tired or under the influence.
• Leave yourself an out. Figure out a way to avoid collisions at all times while driving. This includes not being boxed in by other drivers or barriers. This can be achieved by leaving significant distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, by obeying the speed limit and en suring there’s a lane to move into that’s free
and clear.
• Avoid bad drivers. steer clear of driv ers who are acting recklessly, and give them a wide berth. Move over, slow down and keep an eye on these drivers to avoid a collision. similarly, move over for tail gaters and avoid succumbing to road rage.
• Be courteous and follow the rules. Re spect the rules of the road that you learned in drivers’ education classes. This includes wearing a seat belt, obeying the speed limit, slowing down for bad weather, and giving over the right of way to a reckless driver if it means staying safe.
Defensive driving is a strategy that can help reduce accidents and save lives.
MCs ~ Defensive driving can prevent accidents and save lives. Defensive driving also could save drivers money on car in surance. With so much to gain from driv ing defensively, a refresher on the prin ciples of defensive driving could benefit drivers of all ages.
Drivers undoubtedly have heard the term “defensive driving,” but may not fully understand what it means. in the simplest sense, defensive driving is an approach to driving that focuses on anticipating and reacting to potential hazards when behind the wheel. Defensive drivers apply various skills and techniques to defend against po tential accidents caused by reckless driv ers.
Who can benefit from defensive driv ing?
Anyone can benefit from a defensive driving course. new drivers may benefit the most because it gives them a strong foundation for safe driving. A defensive driving course also may help drivers re move tickets from their driving record or
remove points from a license for first-time offenders, indicates DefensiveDriving.org. Defensive driving courses also may help prevent high insurance premiums or rate hikes following a ticket or accident.
Defensive driving courses differ, but the following are some of the basic principles of driving defensively.
• Be alert to surroundings. This is one of the most important aspects of defensive driving. Paying attention to the road and avoiding distractions prevents accidents. The national Highway Traffic safety Ad ministration says removing one’s eyes from the road for five seconds while driv ing 55 miles per hour is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. Drivers should scan the horizon, check blind spots and know what’s going on around their vehicles.
• Employ the three-second rule. leave sufficient distance between your vehi cle and the one in front of you. A driver should pass a stationary object on the side of the road no earlier than three seconds
Ben Novellano : Agent/O wner
nT ~ Whether or not you dread winter weather, one thing is certain: your home and garden need some protection. Here’s a list of tasks to get your home’s exterior winter-ready.
• Clear the gutters. Clean out the eaves troughs to enable good water drainage. ideally, wait until the trees have dropped all their leaves.
• Sweep out the chimney. A thorough chimney cleaning is essential for preven ting chimney fires.
• Inspect the roof. Ensure your roof is in perfect condition. if you see any pro blems, don’t delay getting the necessary repairs.
taking refuge inside your home.
• Close your pool. lower the water level, clean the filter and put the ladder and other accessories in storage.
• Clear the coping. Remove any accumu lated debris from your pool coping, and check that the drain is working well to prevent flooding.
• Weather-proof your plants. Wrap your shrubs in burlap or landscape cloth. Move potted plants indoors to protect them from the elements.
• Prune your trees. Trim away any tree limbs at risk of falling on your house in a violent gust. likewise, get rid of any branches that could give pests access to your home.
• Put seasonal items in storage. Put away patio furniture, barbecues, gardening tools and garden hoses. Don’t forget to shut down water outlets.
• Prepare your flower beds. Plant your fall bulbs, separate the perennials, re move weeds and annuals and then aerate and nourish the soil.
• Seal up cracks. sniff out any gaps in your foundations and walls and seal them up to prevent water from seeping in and doing some severe damage.
• Screen up your vents. install screens on your vents to prevent small animals from
• Clean the grounds. Rake and bag your dead leaves and clear out dead wood and any other material that could serve as a hiding place for pests.
if you don’t have time to do everything yourself, hire a professional lawn service in your area to help.
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The start of colder weather means considering how to stay warm, in doors and out.
Merriam Webster defines winteri zation as “to make ready for winter or winter use, and especially resis tant or proof against winter weath er.”
Alan Gaydorus, owner of Horton Hardware in Afton, said the time to winterize a home or outdoor space is between october and December.
When evaluating outdoor points, Gaydorus said, it’s important to consider water.
“one thing to check is if there’s an outside faucet,” he said. “is it a frostfree faucet where it turns water off in the heat, or is there a valve to shut off to that faucet? Because the faucet will freeze, and you’d have to replace it in the spring and it would leak. so, check your outside faucets, if they’re drained, and never leave a garden hose on or connected for the winter.”
inside, if living in the space through winter, Gaydorus said, keeping systems in working order is critical.
“Probably the most important thing is having their heating system checked and cleaned,” he said. “oil buildup and soot will make them less efficient. Really, if people have heating systems, they should have it cleaned or serviced, generally annu ally, if it’s oil. A gas heating system doesn’t need as much service. in oneonta, there’s natural gas, but out here (in the Afton area), it’s either oil or propane: probably 50% oil and 50% propane.”
“schedule routine service of
Probably the most important thing is having their heating system checked and cleaned. Oil buildup and soot will make them less efficient. Really, if people have heating systems, they should have it cleaned or serviced, generally annually, if it’s oil. A gas heating system doesn’t need as much service.”
— Alan Gaydorus
home heating systems,” energy.gov echoes, suggesting replacement of furnace and heat pump filters “once a month or as needed.” And, if heat ing with wood or pellet-burning stoves, “clean the inside of the appli ance with a wire brush periodically to ensure that it is heating efficiently … and regularly clean the flue vent.” sealing or covering weak spots, Gaydorus said, is also important in doors.
“it does help, if the windows are old, (to put) plastic on the windows and some sweeps under the door to keep cold air out,” he said. “We have caulking, if you have cracks around a window, or if there’s air blowing, door weather stripping. it’s good to have ice melt on hand for your steps or whatever, your sidewalks … and, if you lose power – electric –for days, it’s not a bad idea to have a generator.”
Energy.gov advises using “a heavy-duty clear plastic sheet on a frame or (taping) clear plastic film to the inside of window frames during the cold winter months.” The site adds: “Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help
reduce infiltration.” it also suggests installing “tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.”
And the site notes the importance of finding and sealing leaks “around chimneys, recessed lightings in insulated ceilings and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and clos ets.” Caulking or weather stripping, it says, will provide a safe seal.
Typically, Gaydorus said, winter ization is a do-it-yourself process, that homeowners can “probably knock out in an afternoon or less, depending on how much there is to do.” And Horton Hardware, he said, offers many of the products needed for the process.
“We have replacement air filters, replacement oil filters … and, if somebody’s going to totally shut off their heat, we have nontoxic anti freeze for their systems. That’s for if you’re going to go to Florida for the winter or something and turn the heat completely off.”
For more information, visit ener gy.gov or hortonhardware.com or call 607-639-1283.
Under-the-door stripping, experts said, can help winterize interior spac es.
Plastic sheeting sealed to windows can help keep heat in and cold out.
PHOTOS BY ALLISON COLLINS
nT ~ Did you pick your fill of fruits and vegetables from local growers, get car ried away at the farmers’ market or harvest plenty of veggies from your garden? Here are five ways to reduce waste and enjoy your bounty all year long.
1. Pies. Use apples, plums, blackber ries, pears and pumpkins to make delectable pies. store them in the freezer for several weeks.
2. Jams. nearly any fruit can be made into jam. in addition to being spread on toast, you can use your jams to brighten up baked goods like cakes, cookies and buns.
3. Pickles. Pickle beets, radishes, pep pers, cucumbers and other tasty ve getables to create a tangy side dish.
4. Soups and broths. Vegetables like squash, onions, leeks and cauliflower are the perfect addition to soups and broths. Make a big batch and defrost it whenever you want.
5. Dried fruits and vegetables. Dried strawberries, apples, tomatoes, car rots and kale have a long shelf life. They can be used in various recipes, including sangrias, salad dressings and sauces.
Get creative when whipping up a healthy and tasty meal.
MCs ~ As hot, humid days give way to cool fall temperatures, it is prime time to enjoy a new bounty of fresh vegetables. Homeowners may be ready to pick the vegetables they have been growing the past several months. While many home vegetable gardeners focus on early spring plantings that yield the tomatoes, cu cumbers and squashes of summer, they also should consider summertime sowing that will yield tasty offerings throughout fall. some of these cooler-weather stock can be harvested just before frost sets in. individuals ready to bite in to produce plucked at the peak of fall have many different options to look forward to. Here are some of common fall produce items that will be available at farm stands near you well into november.
• bok choy
• broccoli
• cauliflower
• kohlrabi
• leaf lettuce
• mustard greens
• spinach
• Swiss chard
• turnips
• beets
• Brussels sprouts
• cabbage
• green onion
• kale
• peas
• radishes
nT ~ Do you want your home to exude the warmth of the blazing fall leaves? Here are a few tips to welcome nature into your home this autumn.
Textured fabrics are a great way to add a touch of fall color to your decor on a budget. Heavy curtains and plush wool throws have a soothing effect. Moreover, table runners, napkins and cushion covers in varying shades of red, brown, orange and yellow instantly create an inviting atmosphere.
Pinecones, gourds, pumpkins, tree leaves and other natural elements are ideal for creating seasonal centerpieces and wreaths.
As the days get shorter, create a cozy atmosphere by instal ling string lights. These twinkling bulbs can brighten up roo ms that desperately lack sunlight and can be used to showcase your banister or mantel. Decorative metallic objects are also great for reflecting natural light and making your space feel more inviting.
lastly, scatter scented candles around your home and let their soothing scent envelop you.
MCs ~ The pristine, white backdrop of a snowy winter day can be a wonder to behold. While fresh snow on the ground can make for awe-inspiring landscapes, the absence of green ery amid the starkness of winter poses challenges for animals that do not ride out winter in a state of hibernation.
several bird species stay in colder climates over the winter. Red-winged crossbills, snow buntings, bohemian waxwings, evening grosbeaks, and cardinals are just some of the birds one may find while gazing outside on a chilly winter’s day. Birding in the winter can be a rewarding hobby because, despite the chilly conditions, birds tend to be easy to find in bare trees. Furthermore, the colder temperatures may keep many people inside, meaning neighborhoods, trails and parks can be very quiet, making it easier for those who brave the cold to see birds.
The Royal society for the Protection of Birds indicates that winter is a difficult time of year for birds due to the weather and the scarcity of food. Furthermore, birds must consume a lot of food in a short amount of time to have the energy and body warmth to survive each day. Even birds that store food in caches or have developed special scavenging strategies to find as much food as possible can benefit from a little wintertime help. Penn state Extension suggests providing a variety of foods to attract the greatest number of species. small, black-oil sun flower seeds are preferred by many smaller species of bird and have a high oil content that is nutritionally important for birds. other sunflower seeds will be appropriate for blue jays and car dinals. some other popular foods include white proso millet, thistle seed, niger seed, and peanuts.
Consult a wild bird store, which likely sells a birdseed mix that enables you to place a variety of seed into one feeder. in addition to seed, suet, which is made from high-quality animal fat, is crucial for birds in the winter. Families can get crafty by spreading peanut butter onto pine cones and sprinkling seed on top. Hang the pine cones tied to pieces of string from tree branches for homemade feeders.
Birds likely need a little help surviving the winter, when con ditions can be bleak. offering food and observing backyard visitors can be a great way to unwind on winter afternoons.
MCs ~ landscapes are vulnerable to the elements during the cold weather months. Everything from de-icing products to hungry animals to the weight of snow can affect trees, shrubs and other plants.
Just because certain greenery will go dormant dur ing the winter doesn’t mean landscape maintenance ends when the mercury dips. Homeowners can take certain actions to winterproof their properties and safeguard landscapes so they recover more readily when spring arrives.
Utilize barriers and deterrents
When resources are scarce, animals will be on the hunt for anything that’s edible, and that includes whatever greenery is growing on a landscape. Phys ical barriers in garden beds and around trees can help prevent damage caused by moles, voles and deer. line the bottom and sides of garden beds with garden cloth to prevent ground-burrowing animals from getting in from beneath, suggests the gardening resource i Must Garden.
Wrapping shrubs in burlap or covering them in temporary netting can deter deer, who will seek ac cessible food sources over the winter. Erect fencing around new trees to keep deer away from the bark and lower branches.
Make the yard less attractive to deer and burrow ers by opting for fat-based suet cakes to feed birds rather than loose seeds and berries in feeders, which herbivores will enjoy. Also, don’t overwater or mulch landscapes too early. The loose soil and warmth of the mulch may entice moles and voles and other rodents to stick around in those areas and feed on plants.
investigate options in snowmelt products, as tradi tional rock salt can injure buds and branches and kill lawns. in addition, avoid piling salted snow in one area of the landscape, as it will concentrate the salt in that spot. spread out snow piles to help minimize the damage to delicate plants.
Harsh winds and battering snow can damage young plants. Use stakes and lattices to secure them so they’ll be better able to withstand the weather, suggests Total landscape Management, a commer cial and residential landscaping company.
Promptly remove snow from branches to help trees and shrubs; otherwise, the weight of ice and snow can break off branches and cause irreparable dam age.
Prior observation tends to educate homeowners about which areas of the landscape are most vulner able to snow drifts and blustery winds. During the winter, winds often blow in from a northeasterly di rection, but each homeowner can make his or her own assessment. Put up a tarp between two stakes to serve as a “snow fence” that protects vulnerable areas of the landscape from blowing snow.
Wrap plants in burlap, garden blankets and plant domes to insulate them from cold weather and some animals. Move container plants into a garage or shielded area for the winter.
Winter can place landscapes in peril. A few strate gies can provide protection.
MCs ~ individuals who don’t live near the equator or in another warm climate know that winter will rear its chilly head this year. Cold temperatures and snowy conditions may be excellent for skiing and sledding, but gardeners recognize these conditions are not ideal for their plants.
The inevitable slowing of activity in the garden during fall marks a time to shift attention from constant plant care to preparing the landscape for next season. it may be tempting to simply let Mother nature take over, but a little pre-winter TlC can ensure gardens make it through winter unscathed.
Decomposing organic material is the basis for compost and other fertilizers. However, vegetable plants that are left to sit can lead to decay in the garden. Decaying plants can serve as hosts for pest populations and diseases. Rot ting vegetables also can drop unwanted seeds into the soil, which eventually can strip nutrients that normally would go to next year’s crops.
ornamental plants and perennials can be cut back in fall. Cut down stalks and remove leaves.
The gardening resource This is My Garden recom
MCs ~ spring and summer are perhaps the busiest times of year for gardeners. However, fall also is a prime time to tend to gardens.
The tree and bare root retailer Bower & Branch advises that soil temperatures in many regions of the country may still be warm enough to encourage root growth well into the start of winter. Furthermore, fall is often the ideal time to plant, fertilize and keep a garden going or to get a head start on next year’s bounty.
Here are some tips to make the most of the fall gardening season.
• Think about fall annuals and bulb planting. near the end of september, start planting cool-weather-loving pansies and violas for pops of color as summer flow ers fade. Also, it’s a good idea to stock up on bulbs that will bloom in the months to come before they sell out in stores. Wait until the temperatures really cool down before planting them in desired spots for spring sprouts.
• Sow salad seeds. lettuce, spinach, radishes, and arugula tolerate cooler tem peratures. Try new and interesting lettuce varieties and enjoy salads well into the fall
Gardeners may have added mulch around shrubs and other areas of the landscape early in the season because it is attractive. But mulch also does much to reduce water loss and protect the soil from erosion. it may inhibit weed growth as well. Replacing mulch when the mercury drops can insulate the soil, which helps to regulate soil tempera ture. A thick layer of mulch around root vegetables left in the garden can offer protection against hard frosts.
Divide plant bulbs and plant them where you want flow ers like daffodils and tulips to grow in the spring.
mends planting a cover crop to set the stage for a success ful spring. A cover crop protects the soil and can return nutrients to it. When the soil is bare during winter, weed seeds can easily blow in and lie in wait , ultimately be coming a problem during the ensuing year. Cover crops can include clover or field peas, which will increase the levels of available nitrogen.
Fall is a perfect time to add soil amendments, such as manure and compost. These fertilizers will add nutrients and break down gradually, enriching the soil over the winter.
Wait until plants are dormant to prune them and adjust their shape. Most shrubs and trees should be pruned in late winter, right before new growth.
Bring delicate plants into a sheltered area, such as a greenhouse or indoor garage, so they can continue to thrive during the winter.
Fall and winter still provide opportunities to spend time in the garden. At this point in the year, gardeners can pre pare landscapes for the next season.
leaves and buds through late summer.
• Clean up unwanted growth. Fall is an ideal time to cut back spent vegetable plants and get rid of errant weeds. Rath er than bagging leaves, mow them with a grass catcher and then add the mix to a vegetable garden as an excellent soil insu lator. The nitrogen and carbon will ferti lize the soil, enhancing growing possibili ties and limiting weed growth.
season.
• Take inventory of the sun. Position ing a garden carefully means maximizing hours of sunlight, which begin to dwindle in the fall. Experts say gardens grow best in sunny locations that receive six hours of direct sunlight each day. This is where container gardens can be helpful, as they allow gardeners to move plants into spots that will get ample sunlight.
• Fill in landscaping gaps. some fall plants can add color around the landscape and brighten up homes to add curb appeal. in addition to pansies and violas, asters, kale and chrysanthemums are fall blooms. Keep in mind that mums can come back year after year. so take them out of those flower pots and get them into the ground. They can be enjoyed next year as well, sprouting in early spring and developing
• Propagate plants in the fall. As tem peratures gradually begin to cool, start taking cuttings from perennials, gathering seed pods from azaleas and rhododen drons and dividing hardwood cuttings, says the resource Gardening Know How. Consult with a garden center or horticul turist on the proper ways to propagate stems using rooting hormone and other techniques.
• Continue to water plants. Water is es sential in the fall and winter as roots can still be growing. Gradually reduce water ing duration as plants go dormant.
Fall planting and maintenance can ex tend gardening season and improve the chances of growing a healthy spring gar den.
MCs ~ Pets can be excitable. Though dogs anxious to get outdoors and play with their owners may be the first image of excited pets to come to mind, cats also can be compelled to move quickly when they hear sudden, loud noises or if they’re startled by visitors.
Excited pets can pose a safety hazard in homes where open flames are common place. in fact, the national Fire Protection Association estimates that around 1,000 home fires each year are started by pets. Pet owners can implement strategies rec ommended by the American Kennel Club and ADT security services to reduce the risk of fire in their homes.
• Be especially careful around and mindful of open flames. Pets can easily tip over candles and gain access to fire places when open flames are burning. Ex tinguish such flames whenever leaving a room, or ask someone to come in and look
after pets so they are not left unattended around flames. Even candles on fireplace mantels pose a hazard as curious cats can leap onto mantelpieces and tip over the candles.
• Cover stove knobs. stove knobs are another potential fire hazard in homes with curious pets. Knob covers prevent pets from accidentally turning on burners when no one is looking. Pet owners who let their pets roam free around the house while they’re at work or out running er rands should cover stove knobs before leaving their homes.
• Purchase flameless candles. Flameless candles are a great option for pet owners whose pets are energetic or especially cu rious. Flameless candles are battery-pow ered and provide ambient light without an open flame.
• Consider crating pets or limiting ac cess to certain areas if animals are not yet house-trained. Puppies and kittens are especially curious and eager to explore their new surroundings. That makes it easy for them to find trouble even in are as where pet owners think there isn’t any. Confine pets to crates during times of day when you plan to light candles or the fire place or install gates to keep them out of rooms where they can access open flames.
• Exercise caution when using a grill and/or firepit. Charcoal grills and firepits are not indoors, but they can still pose a fire hazard outside. if necessary, keep pets indoors when grilling or sitting around
the firepit. if you want them to be out doors at these times, prevent them from accessing areas where the grill and firepit are located.
Pets tend to be curious, and that curios ity can be dangerous around open flames. some simple tips can reduce the risk of home fires caused by pets.
