Fall is the Best Time of Year for Planting Trees, Shrubs, and Many Other Perennial Plants

Now is a great time to plant natives in your garden!!

Oregon Sunshine - Eriophyllum lanatum.

Native plants will provide beauty for your garden as well as food for native insects and birds. Planting trees and shrubs when they are dormant reduces stress and allows roots to become established. Plan to plant at least 6 weeks prior to the expected first frost.

Red-flowering Currant - Ribes sanguineum.

Many native seeds require periods of cool moist temperature for weeks to months before germinating. The easiest way to provide this is to plant seeds in the fall and allow nature to provide the needed conditions. Seeds will germinate when the conditions of dormancy are met and temperatures warm in the spring. Seed vendors can tell you the conditions required for germinating the seeds you choose.

Bleeding Heart - Dicentra formosa.

Check with local nurseries to select plants and seeds appropriate for the conditions in your garden. Civic Beautification and Urban Forestry CBUF https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/bc-cbufdac

Winter Mulch to Reduce Weeds

                      

                                            

Free Street Trees from Parks and Recreation

 

Link to contact Jennifer:  Jennifer.Killian@corvallisoregon.gov

Saving Seeds

Saving  Seeds

Save seeds from your flowers and vegetables to plant next year!

• Choose a plant that has characteristics that you want to save. Seeds from hybrid varieties will not remain true to type.

• Allow flowers and pods (like beans or peas) to mature on the plant. Mature fruits can be picked and seeds removed without first drying.

• Collect and clean the seeds. If the seeds are dry, remove husks, pods, or other plant debris. If the seeds are embedded in a wet fruit, remove as much pulp as possible from the seeds and allow them to dry.

• Store dry seeds in a cool dry place. Check for any signs of mold and discard seeds if it develops.

• About 1 month before planting, check a small sample of your stored seeds to check rate of germination.

Thanks to Jackie Calvert of the Civic Beautification and Urban Forestry for this post.

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/seed-saving-basics

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/collecting-storing-seeds-your-garden

Photo - Joshua  Lanzarini