When planning the fall changes in your garden, think about drought tolerant plants.
“A garden is a thing of beauty and a job forever”
The cooler weather is perfect for working in the garden. Start fall cleanup.Despite a few last very hot summer days, fall is rapidly approaching with shorter days and cooler nights. Adjust irrigation timers, as your garden requires less water.Deeply water fruit and nut trees. Ideally, mature fruit trees should be irrigated to a depth of 3 feet.Prune and shape photinia now to avoid removing the attractive new, red foliage. Photinia can be pruned aggressively if the plant has grown too large.Finish dividing iris. Replant while conditions remain warm and dry, and share extra rhizomes with friends and neighbors.Bulbs that do not need chilling may be planted beginning this month.Plant winter and spring annuals and cool-weather vegetables from cell packs.Annuals: snapdragon (Antirrhinum), English daisy (Bellis perennis).Perennials: Alstroemeria, Bellflower (campanula), chrysanthemum morifolium, Geum.Fruits and vegetables: beets, carrots – plant from seed.Trees, shrubs, vines: abelia, acacia, horse chestnut (Aesculus), strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo).Annuals and perennials: alstroemeria, yarrow (Achillea), aster, begonia.Bulbs, corms, tubers: canna.Trees, shrubs, vines: barberry (Berberis), bougainvillea, butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii).Fruits and vegetables: almonds, beans, corn.Fall color: maple (Acer), cotoneaster.A thick layer of mulch acts as insulation. If applied while the soil is still warm (55°- 65°) it can help extend the fall growing season.In the absence of soaking rains, continue to deep water trees and large shrubs at least once a week.
Source: Adapted from A Gardener’s Companion for the Central San Joaquin Valley, 3rd edition, currently available from Fresno County Master Gardeners for $30. These can be purchased at our demonstration garden – Garden of the Sun (1750 N Winery (McKinley/Winery), open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 am to Noon, and via email at mgfresno@ucanr.edu. Gardening questions answered as well at mgfresno@ucanr.edu. Prepared by Terry Lewis, Master Gardener UCCE Fresno County.
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