Planning for the Fall/Winter Season

Glen Payne, Urban Horticulture Agent, Beaufort County

• Daylight hours are dwindling, and nights last longer as summertime growth of plants really slows down. Less water is now required, and irrigation systems can be adjusted for less frequent watering days and shorter durations, as well as daylight saving time, which takes effect on November 2^nd at 2:00 am.
• Inspect inside the irrigation clock to ensure that insects such as bees, roaches, ants, and the occasional snakes aren’t building a home on the irrigation transformer using it as a heat source during the cold. Removal of critters will prevent the electrical system from shorting. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/landscape-irrigation-equipment-part-6-timers-controllers/
• Inspect the Ground Fault Indicator (GFCI) receptacles that exterior irrigation controllers are plugged into and verify that the reset button works.
• Inspect rain sensors for damage and verify that they will shut the system off as advertised.
• Irrigation controllers may be placed in the ‘OFF’ position for the winter months.
• Mulch should be installed correctly to prevent winter weeds, keep soil warm, & prevent soil compaction.  https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/mulch/
• Plant trees as consistent rainfall returns, using less irrigation for establishment. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/planting-trees-correctly/
• Vegetable Gardens are seeing the last of the summer harvest, and cole crops (collards, kale, spinach, cabbage, & lettuce mixes) are beginning to come on, and the weather is cooling down, providing a nice reason to be outside. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/cabbage-broccoli-other-cole-crop-insect-pests/

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