1.

Add a splash of fall color

Replace spent annuals with fall-blooming hardy mums. These pretty perennials provide color for weeks, and if properly planted, maintained and winterized, they’ll add color to your garden every fall for years to come.

2.

Time for spring bulbs

Fall is the perfect time to plant spring bulbs. You’ll want to plant them 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost in your area. Shop early for the best selection, and don’t delay too much in planting them after buying.

3.

Fall flavors in the trees

Fall is the best season to plant fruit trees such as apples, pears, plums, cherries, peaches, apricots and figs. Young trees should be staked to prevent roots from being pulled by fall and winter winds.

4. 

Plant now for early crops

Some veggies can be sown in the fall which results in earlier crops the following year! Try peas, fava beans, hardy spinach, spring cabbage, Italian wine grapes, leaf beets, or Swiss chard.

5. 

Let the leaves lay

You still have to rake some leaves but not ALL of them. Go ahead and leave them under trees, around shrubs and on sturdy ground covers (over time they become much-needed compost). However, you still need to rake up the leaves that off the grass (they attract fungi and insects)and on perennial beds (they can cause crown rot).

6. 

Protect potted plants and perennials

Bring your houseplants in before it gets chilly enough to kick on the heat. They need time to adjust. Remember to wash them before bringing them indoors so you can get rid of any pests. As perennials fade away, its a good idea to mark their locations with small sticks, so you don’t lose them in the spring.

7. 

Transplant fruit plants

It is a good idea to transplant fruit plants every three years or so as they can quickly deplete soil of nutrients. Remember to find new locations for them well before you expect the first frost so they can develop roots.

8. 

House the herbs

Don’t say goodbye to your herb garden. Just dig up your herbs to grow inside. Keep them in a cool, sunny spot, and let the soil dry out before watering. Snip leaves whenever you need herbs in your cooking, but don’t strip completely. For herbs that have grown prolifically, cut them back halfway and dry or freeze the extra, make some soap or share it with friends.

9. 

Vampire tomatoes

If frost is fast approaching and you have unripe tomatoes still hanging on the vine, pull the vines out by the roots and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place to finish ripening. How about a wine cellar?

10. Apple cider for brisk fall evenings If you have apple trees, now’s the time to harvest them for a delicious cider brew. It’s fine to use blemished apples, but avoid adding too many and definitely avoid open wounds or bruises.

11.

Outsource it

Short on time and energy? Hire a landscaper! In the fall, scheduling is less chaotic than in spring, and designers have more time to answer questions and start smaller projects. Call them early so you don’t miss the planting season, because lead time is needed.

Prim’s is located in the Carmel Rancho Shopping Center just off of Highway One at 546 Carmel Rancho Boulevard in Carmel.

We are open Monday – Saturday: 9am – 6pm
Sunday: 10am – 5pm.