WEEK IN THE GARDEN

Planting

■ Plant pansies for fall color and, if you select winter pansies, early spring blooms.

■ Asters and mums are available, buy now for best selection; use either in the garden or as part of a container display.

■ Sow seeds that require a cold period for germination; poppies are one example.

■ Plant perennials, shrubs and trees as the weather cools.

■ Hold bulbs until October.

Seasonal

■ Allow the final flush of flowers to go to seed. Many provide food for the birds and small mammals during the fall and winter.

■ Take cuttings of those annuals that you want to winter over or other favorite plants that have grown too big to move indoors.

■ Order asparagus, rhubarb, bulbs, flower and fruit plants, and shrubs for fall planting.

■ Shop nurseries for end-of-season bargains or new fall arrivals.

■ Allow peony greens to grow until fall and then cut back.

Lawn

■ Seed, overseed, dethatch and aerate lawns September through mid-October.

■ Apply broadleaf weed control, September through mid October.

■ Install sod as the weather cools, September and October.

Chores

■ Stop watering amaryllis bulbs. Allow the bulbs to dry out and go dormant. Store in a cool dry area until they resprout in about 8 to 10 weeks.

■ Start planning for fall. Order bulb and plants for early fall shipment.

■ Check seed inventory for late crops and fall planting.

■ Get plants ready to bring in. Repot those that need it and pot up those you want to winter over indoors.

■ Harvest crops regularly, at least every other day.

Tools, equipment and supplies

■ Check winter/fall equipment, repair or replace as needed.