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Agriculture Secretary Reminds Homeowners: 'Fall is for Planting'
 

For Immediate Release: September 24, 2002

Contact:

Hope Gruzlovic
(609)292-8896
hope.gruzlovic@ag.state.nj.us

 

 

 

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.