Growing Things: What you should know about fall fertilizing

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Q: I would appreciate suggestions for fall applications of fertilizer for my lawn and garden.  Should apple trees and currant bushes also get a little “lunch” before the freeze-up?

A: Although we have addressed this question before I thought it might be timely to revisit this issue. I’m on record as saying that I am not a big fan of fall fertilizers for the lawn. There are a few reasons for my feeling this way. Firstly, timing the application of fall fertilizer is critical. It has to be done after the lawn has stopped actively growing in the fall. If you apply it any sooner you run the risk of stimulating the lawn into being actively growing when the winter hits. You can damage your lawn if this happens. The second reason is linked directly to our weather conditions. If applied correctly the fall fertilizer is intended to sit on the lawn until the spring at which time the moisture from the spring thaw activates the fertilizer.  The problem with this is if there is enough water to melt the fertilizer it is very likely that the ground has not thawed and a majority of the fertilizer runs off the lawn along with the spring thaw water.

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Our lawns in this area of the country do not begin serious growth until well into the spring. I find it best to fertilize at that time rather than using a fall fertilizer and hoping it makes it intact to the right time of the spring when it will be effective. I think using a fall fertilizer is a waste of time and money.

As for your question about the apple and currant bushes I would not use any fertilizer on them in the fall. You also do not want them to be actively growing at this time of the year.

Q: We are newcomers to the Edmonton area. We just moved into a new home here and now are facing having to plant a tree in the front yard within the next two months. Is the fall a good time to plant a tree here or should we ask for an extension until the spring?

A: Welcome to Edmonton! The fall is an excellent time for planting. Make sure you give the tree plenty of water even if you buy it at a stage where it has lost its leaves. It will still need moisture in the ground through the fall and winter. Another great reason for planting in the fall is that you can find some great bargains. Most greenhouses and garden centres offer substantial discounts in the fall.

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Every week, Growing Things runs online at edmontonjournal.com or, if you prefer an epaper format, epaper.edmontonjournal.com

Learn more by emailing your questions to filipskigerald@gmail.com, reading past columns or my book Just Ask Jerry. You can also follow me on Twitter @justaskjerry01.

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