In U.S.A Gardening Doesn'T Stop Just Because It'S Fall

        With the arrival of autumn, the garden seems to disappear. In fact, the underground is still very vital. In addition to harvesting in autumn, there is also planting, or preparing for the next spring.

        Another round of tomatoes, peppers and eggplants can be grown in the southernmost regions of the United States, such as South Texas and Florida. To speed up the decomposition, sprinkle a little nitrogen over each layer, keep the pile slightly moist, and turn it with a pitchfork every now and then. By next summer, you'll be able to enrich your soil with "black gold."

        To prepare for spring planting, test the pH of the soil now and add amendments such as lime (if needed) and compost, which will go deep into the ground during the winter. Fertilizers need to be avoided at this time anywhere but the South, where some lawn grasses may benefit from using slow-release products in early fall. But follow local fertilizer limits to protect the ecosystem and prevent waste (and possible fines). For example, in the rainy season in the south, nitrogen is likely to be flushed through the soil into the groundwater; in the north, cooling temperatures prevent the uptake of fertilizer, which can seep into the groundwater there. Both of these things pollute our precious resources and waste money because unabsorbed fertilizer won't do your lawn or plants any favors anyway.

        The South should feed citrus trees now that fall is coming, but don't fertilize them on rainy days. Use slow-release products to provide long-lasting nutrients and avoid leaching and runoff.

        If you want to rejuvenate your lawn, first aerate its core. Plant once a week and water lightly every day until it reaches 3 inches tall.

        Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. In cooler regions, it's best to wait until the trees in your area have fallen.

        Cool-season crops such as beets, radishes, vegetables, and broccoli can now be grown in many temperate regions. Pull the weeds up by the roots before they set seed, and their numbers will be greatly reduced next year. When spring comes, you will be grateful for what you are doing now.