Consider a water-permeable patio, which is less likely to result in backyard water runoff. (Photo: Jeannette Warnert)

Tasks

• Clean up around the base of fruit trees, and compost or dispose of all fallen fruit and nuts.
• Apply preemergent herbicide in early September to prevent winter weeds.

Pruning

• While cutting and deadheading roses, prune lightly to shape bushes and encourage fall bloom. Always prune to an outward facing bud.

Fertilizing

• Fertilize fruit and nut trees following harvest.
• Fertilize roses for fall bloom.

Planting

• The fall planting season begins in September – wait for cooler days for best results.
• Perennials: Coneflower (Echinacea), rosemary (Rosmarinus), Mexican blue sage (Salvia leucantha), thyme.
• Annuals: Iceland poppy (Papaver nudicaule), sweet pea (Lathyrus).
• Bulbs, corms, tubers: grape hyacinth (Muscari), narcissus, ranunculus, squill (Scilla), tulip, Watsonia. Purchase bulbs by Labor Day, plant by Thanksgiving.
• Fruits and vegetables: Asian greens, radish, spinach, sugar snap peas (plant from seed)
• Trees, shrubs, vines: Abelia, Forsythia, palo verde (Parkinsonia), viburnum, xylosma.

Enjoy now

• Annuals and perennials: petunia, gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia), marigold (Tagetes).
• Bulbs, corms, tubers: fairy lily (Zephyranthes), dahlia.
• Trees, shrubs, vines: cape plumbago, rose, chaste tree (Vitex).
• Fruits and vegetables: apples, pistachio, plum, squash, tomatoes.

Things to ponder

• Chill tulip and hyacinth bulbs in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 weeks. Do not store apples or ripe carrots in the same area.  Plant in early winter (October-November) after garden soil has cooled.
• Dust on leaves reduces the effectiveness of foliar fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Before spraying, shake, brush or rinse dust off plants.
• If installing a patio or other hardscape, choose water-permeable materials if possible.