First frosts occur in the high desert of North America anywhere from the middle of September to the middle of October.
First frost dates are almost upon high desert gardeners, so now is the time to get some things done.
- Plant spring bulbs now. The depth of planting will depend upon the type of bulb, but bulb planting charts are usually provided with bulb purchase.
- Spot treat bindweed and thistle with systemics, or better still, pull them out of the ground. Do not till to try to remove them. Bindweed especially is rhizomatic. Cutting the root system will only produce more plants.
- Now is a good time to plant garlic.
- Check fruit trees. If fruit is weighing down tree limbs, provide support for them.
- If your peaches and plums are almost ripe and first frost date is approaching, pick them now. You can wait until after a first light frost to harvest apples and pears.
- If you have a lawn and you have bare or sparse spots, reseed the bare spots now. Now is the time to seed for Kentucky blue grass or tall fescue.
- If you have purchased plants, particularly trees or perennials, you can plant them now, although it is better to wait for early spring.
- Divide and replant spring blooming perennials.
- Keep an eye out for yellow jackets and hornets, who will be seeking nesting places for the winter.
- Slugs can cause a great deal of damage in the garden in cooler weather, so take precautions.
- Water lawns about one and one-half inches per week during September. Adjust for rain.
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