Larson’s Garden Center and Landscaping

Did you know you can get a second round of delicious vegetables in your garden? As summer winds down, don’t pack away your gardening gloves. It’s the perfect time to plant for a fresh, flavorful fall harvest!

Fall is a Must-Do: Think of it as a secret second chance for your garden. Many fall veggies taste even better after a light frost, and you get to extend your harvest long after everyone else has quit.
Just arrived Cool Fall Crop Seeds 
What to Plant: Cool-Season Crops: Broccoli and cauliflower are classic fall veggies that form their heads in the crisp air. Check the “days to maturity” on your seed packets and count backward from your area’s 

Leafy Greens: Fast-growing and perfect for cooler weather. Think lettuce, spinach, and kale.

Root Veggies: Carrots, radishes, and beets thrive as the weather cools down.

Caring for fall perennial mums in Connecticut is all about preparing them for the winter so they can come back next year. Here’s a simple, friendly guide:

Spring: In the spring, when you see new green shoots emerging from the base, you can cut back the old, brown stems and foliage.

Planting: Plant your mums in a spot with at least 6 hours of sun and well-draining soil. This is super important-mums hate wet roots. The earlier you plant them in the fall, the better their chances of establishing roots before the cold hits.

Watering: Mums are thirsty! Keep them well-watered, especially in sunny spots, but be careful not to overdo it. Water the soil at the base of the plant, not the leaves or flowers, to prevent rot and disease.

After They Bloom: Once the flowers fade and a hard frost hits, don’t cut the plant back right away. Leave the stems and foliage in place. This helps insulate the plant and gives it some protection from the cold.

Winterizing: The most important step for CT winters is to mulch heavily. After the ground freezes, pile a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch (like straw or shredded leaves) over the base of the plant. This keeps the soil temperature stable and prevents the plant from being pushed out of the ground by freezing and thawing.

Decorating your yard for autumn in Connecticut is all about celebrating the season’s natural beauty. The key is to blend classic fall elements with local flair to create a look that feels authentic to your New England surroundings.

The Foundation: Plants & Natural Elements

Fallen Leaves and Branches: Connecticut’s fall foliage is spectacular. Don’t be afraid to use it as part of your decor! Gather a few branches with beautiful red and gold leaves to put in a large urn, or simply rake a beautiful, crisp pile of leaves for a perfect photo op.

Potted Plants: Mums are a classic for a reason! They provide a huge burst of color-think oranges, yellows, burgundies, and whites. Group them in different sizes and colors in planters or even a vintage wheelbarrow. You can also mix in other cool-weather-loving plants like ornamental kale and cabbage, which have beautiful deep purple and green foliage.

Pumpkins and Gourds: No CT fall yard is complete without pumpkins and gourds.

Vary the size and color: Instead of just bright orange, look for heirloom varieties like “Cinderella” (a squat, orange-red) or the warty-skinned
“Knucklehead.” White pumpkins can also be very elegant.

Create a focal point: Stack them on hay bales, along your front steps, or in a large wooden crate. Tucking smaller gourds into planters with your mums is a simple way to add a finishing touch.

Corn Stalks and Hay Bales: These are the quintessential New England farm stand decorations. Tie corn stalks to your porch columns or railings to create a welcoming, rustic feel. Use small hay bales as a base for your pumpkin and plant displays.

Wreaths and Garlands: A beautiful wreath on your front door sets the tone.
Look for one made of faux fall leaves, berries, and acorns. You can also drape a garland along your porch railing or above your doorway.

Lighting: As the days get shorter, warm lighting can make your yard feel cozy and inviting.

Lanterns: Place battery-operated or solar-powered lanterns on your steps or porch. The flickering light is perfect for a cool fall evening.

String Lights: Hang string lights with warm, white bulbs on your porch or around a seating area to create a magical atmosphere.

Cozy Seating Areas: If you have a porch or patio, make it a comfortable place to sit. Add a fall-themed doormat, outdoor pillows in autumnal colors, and a cozy throw blanket. This turns a simple decorating display into an inviting outdoor living space.

DIY Elements: Consider making a few simple DIY projects. A letter board with a fall message like “Hello Pumpkin” or “Happy Fall Y’all” can add a personal touch. You can also use stencils to paint your house number on a pumpkin for a fun, personalized decoration.

Having hard, compacted soil in your flower beds is a common problem in Connecticut, where clay soil is prevalent. The good news is that this type of soil can be improved, although it takes time and consistent effort. The key is to amend the soil by adding organic matter.

Get a Soil Test

Before you start, it’s highly recommended to get a soil test. This will give you a clear picture of your soil’s pH and nutrient levels, which is crucial for determining the best amendments to add.

• Where to get a test: The University of Connecticut (UConn) offers an inexpensive and comprehensive soil testing service for Connecticut residents.

You can find information on their Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory website or by contacting the UConn Home and Garden Education Center.

 Suggestion – Add Organic Matter

The most effective way to fix hard, compacted clay soil is to incorporate organic matter. This will improve soil structure, increase aeration, and help with drainage.

Important note: Do not add sand. Mixing sand with clay soil can create a substance resembling concrete.

Compost: This is the best amendment you can add. It helps to break up the clay particles and provides essential nutrients. Spread a thick layer (6-8 inches) of compost over your beds. You can buy compost from a garden center, or even better, start your own compost pile.

Shredded leaves, aged manure, or grass clippings: These are also excellent options for adding organic matter. They will break down over time, enriching the soil.

There are a couple of approaches to incorporating the organic matter:

Sheet Composting / No-Till: If you don’t want to dig, you can layer organic matter on top of the existing soil and let it break down naturally. This method, often called sheet mulching, involves adding layers of cardboard, compost, and mulch. It takes more time, but is less labor-intensive.

Manual Digging: Use a garden fork or shovel to turn over the soil and mix in the organic matter. This is often better than a tiller, as it avoids pulverizing the soil structure.
OR CALL US 860-404-6055 AT LARSON’S GARDEN CENTER AND LANDSCAPING AND LET US DO THE WORK FOR YOU.

For Connecticut’s hot summers and cool fall temperatures, here are some heat-tolerant and easy-to-care-for perennial flowers:

Helenium (Sneezeweed): Don’t let the name fool you-it’s a great plant for the garden! Helenium produces vibrant, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They are known for their long-lasting blooms and are very attractive to butterflies.

Coneflower (Echinacea): This is a tough, drought-tolerant plant that comes in a wide range of colors, from classic purple to yellow, orange, and white. They bloom from summer into fall and are a magnet for bees and butterflies.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): A classic favorite for a reason! These cheerful, daisy-like flowers are extremely durable and can handle the heat.
They’re low-maintenance and provide a burst of color from summer through fall.

Asters: A quintessential fall perennial, asters offer beautiful daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. They are generally easy to care for and provide a vital food source for pollinators as the season winds down. New