via Vert Gardens Instagram

After 10 years in the neighborhood, local landscape design and plant shop Vert Gardens (193 Banker Street) is in the process of moving to the Navy Yards. Before they officially close, they’ll be having two more plant sales, one this weekend on Saturday October 8th (10am-4pm) and the last on October 22 (10am-4pm). From Vert: “We’re definitely going to miss Greenpoint, and if you’re in the area, come see us at our new location.” Their new spot is at 72 Flushing Ave.

Read on for Autum gardening tips from Vert.

Vert Gardens gettin’ it done. Via Instagram

Here are some tips Vert recommends on how to maintain your garden as we transition into the Fall season:

  • Fertilize your plants! Now is a great time to apply a slow release fertilizer and/or compost. Mix into the top 6” of your soil, add 2” of mulch, and water in. Be sure not to bury the crown of your plants with mulch. The roots do need insulation but the plant needs to breathe too.
  • Fertilize your lawn with a 3:1:2, meaning 3 parts nitrogen, 1 part phosphorus, and 2 parts potassium.
  • If you have an irrigation system, cut your watering times down. Plants only need water 2-3 times a week during this season. If you’re not sure, feel the soil. If it is moist, the plants don’t need any water.
  • Continue to stake perennials. At this point in the season, a lot of perennials may become top heavy from their blooms. Stake with a bamboo and tie with jute.
  • Prune any late flowering trees and shrubs. Wait until plants go dormant.
  • Bring all in all houseplants or tropicals before the first frost.
  • At the end of the month, plant spring flowering bulbs. Planting depth should be three times the size of the bulb.

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