It is time to get out and enjoy the cooler weather and get a few chores done while you are at it.

Save your caladiums — You can treat your caladiums as annuals or, with very little effort, you can save them for next year. Dig them up before the leaves lose color and before the soil temperature drops below 55 degrees. Allow them to dry for a week or so and remove the foliage. Store them in a dry, cool place but not below 60 degrees. Plant them 2-3 inches deep next spring. If you remove the central bud before planting it will encourage the growth of many smaller buds. This is called de-eyeing and can be done with a sharp knife. You can plant caladiums in pots, as borders, in clusters or in mass plantings. With many varieties available, the possibilities are endless.

Now is also the time to divide and replant spring blooming perennials such as bearded iris, hosta, daisy, black-eyed Susan, coneflower and ferns. I know, more digging, but once you get going it is really relatively easy. When you are finished, make sure you water thoroughly and mulch. The “new roots” will need to be kept watered to take hold.

Lastly, at least for now, move your herbs inside. Simply dig them up and pot them. Basil, chives, cilantro and parsley will thrive in a sunny window. Some of the hardier herbs like Rosemary, oregano, mint and garlic should be fine outside for the winter.

Now, if you have completed your chores, go have fun at the Crystal Springs Fall Flower & Garden Fest on Oct. 16-17. It is the largest home garden show in the southeast. The garden features all-America selection winners. The event is free and features walking tours and lectures. The walking tours are conducted by MSU specialists and include information specific to flowers, vegetables, landscape plants, diseases and insects. Other topics include composting, beekeeping, new turf plots, pond management, specialty crops and backyard wildlife habitats. Wagon tours of the 175-acre research site will also be offered.

More than 60 vendors will offer many types of plants, yard art and garden tools for sale. Attendees can ask gardening questions, get soil tested and have plants, insects or disease samples identified. Sounds like you might need to stay awhile so you will surely get hungry. Food vendors will offer steak sandwiches, catfish, barbecue plates, chicken, hamburgers and hotdogs, cookies, cakes, sweet potato treats and homemade ice cream.

The event is at the Crystal Springs Truck Crops and Experiment Station and is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. For a schedule of events, visit msucares.com/fallfest/.

Reminder — rather than rake your leaves, let them stay where they fall until you mow so you can shred them. When you mow, either catch them in a bag to use as compost, or if your yard is not too large, you can simply rake the shredded leaves into your beds after mowing.

Email your questions or comments to me at newsroom@natchezdemocrat.com.

 

Karen O’Neal is an Adams County Master Gardener.