New Jersey Agriculture Secretary
Charles M. Kuperus today reminded homeowners that early
fall is the ideal time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials
and spring-flowering bulbs.
"Moderate temperatures and periodic rainfalls
that are typical of the fall season help newly introduced
plants acclimate themselves to their new environment," said
Kuperus. "This makes early fall a great time
to plant trees and shrubs. Flowering cabbage, kale,
mums and even pansies can add beautiful color to
our fall landscape."
Kuperus made his comments during a tour of the
Orie Van Wingerden Greenhouses in Pompton Plains,
Morris County.
Kuperus noted that it is important that homeowners
follow the Department of Environmental Protection's
water use restrictions, but not be discouraged from
planting. These restrictions allow the watering of
trees, shrubs, and vegetable and flower gardens every
other day on an odd/even basis as long as the watering
is done with a watering can, hand-held hose with
an automatic shutoff, or other permitted means specified
in the restrictions.
Fall is often a good time to find better values
on trees, shrubs and other plants, according to the
New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association, which
recommends that homeowners consider doing the following
for fall:
- Create an inviting flow of plants from the walkway
to the door. Add a bed of mums or pots of plants
near the entrance;
- Add a screen of trees and shrubs to increase
privacy or block out an unpleasant view;
- Clean up your garden by trimming back spent
perennials;
- Remove broken, diseased or damaged branches
from trees and shrubs;
- Plant daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs;
- Ensure that your fall planting efforts are well-spent
by consulting with your garden center or nursery
on the best plant selections, plant-care products
and maintenance for your area.
New Jersey's nursery, greenhouse and sod industry is
the leading sector of the state's agricultural industry.
Crops from the state's 2,826 nursery and greenhouse
operations had a market value in 1997 of $278 million,
according to the most recent U.S. Census of Agriculture. |