Wow, the weather is beautiful.  It is 72 here today in the PNW and is forecast to continue over the next couple of weeks.    I’ve been advising several clients on how to garden in this warm fall and thought I would share it with you.   

Keep watering containers if you want the lush display to continue.  If there are annuals planted you can fertilize and water to your heart’s content.  If you have planted shrubs or perennials that you plan on overwintering then don’t fertilize and don’t prune.   Help them become dormant and only give them enough water for survival.  When the cold weather hits and it’s time to move them they will be more adapted to the changing season and have no new growth to be damaged by the frost. 

Don’t plant those fall bulbs yet.   They need a good chilling period before spring.  The ground is still warm and irrigation or rain may cause them to start growing.   Refrigerate any bulbs you have until the weather cools to 40-42 degrees.  This is the same for bulbs planted in containers unless you can chill the whole pot, 

Continue to water beds and trees.  The ground is warm and dry so the warm temperatures will be leading the plants to think it is still summer.  They will still require water to survive until they are dormant. 

Think of this lovely time as a waiting period.  Fall is waiting in the wings to bring its beauty, cool days, and crisp nights.  Enjoy the warmth of the sun, and spend time in the garden without urgent tasks to be done.  Remember ‘Winter is Coming’.