High altitude gardening presents a number of challenges, but that doesn’t mean you have to pack up your tools and stay inside once fall arrives. Here are some outdoor gardening activities that are perfect for the changing leaves and cooler temperatures!
Plant spring bulbs
Fall is the perfect time to start planting flower bulbs for the spring. Stock up on daffodils, crocuses or hyacinths and come up with a new color scheme for 2015. Love how your garden looked this year? No problem! Bulk up on the same colors and replant in the areas of your flower beds that you’ve had success with. We’ve just received our annual shipment of mums and fall asters, so make sure you swing by the nursery and check out those as well!
Pick up a couple of fruit trees
Fall is a great time to plant a new fruit tree. At Park City Nursery we have multiple apple trees to choose from, or if you prefer stone fruit there are apricot, plum and prune trees too! Make sure to plant before the frost and snows hit, and also take the time to stake young trees down. Winter storms are often bolstered by heavy winds and if you aren’t careful these can snap green trunks in half.
Get the most out of your tomatoes
With the first frosts rapidly approaching it can be nerve-wracking waiting for the last of your fruits and vegetables to ripen. If you have tomatoes, go ahead and pull the vines up by their roots. Hang the plants upside down in a cool, dark place and wait for the rest of the fruit to ripen.
Take advantage of all those extra apples
Do you have one or more apple trees? It can be hard to eat all of the fruit that they produce! Make a cider or pastries that will utilize the extra fruit. Apples that have blemishes or are slightly bruised are okay, but avoid fruits that have started to rot. These can change the taste of whatever you decide to cook.
Good luck with all of your fall gardening activities! If you have any questions, or need to stock up on supplies don’t forget visit us at Park City Nursery!