Rapid frost arrival doesn't stop chores

KENNEWICK -- It seems like fall has just breezed by us, figuratively and literally.

In early October we were enjoying gorgeous days, then frost, wind and rain suddenly arrived.

This abrupt arrival of cold frosty weather has gardeners wondering if it's too late to do some of the gardening tasks they had planned.

Question. Is it too late to fertilize my lawn?

Answer. No, early November is one of the most important times of the year to fertilize your lawn. No special "winterizing" lawn fertilizer is needed, but I would recommend one that has at least 50 percent of its nitrogen in a slow-release form. A good ratio for a lawn fertilizer is 3:1:2, for example a fertilizer labeled as 19:6:12 with over 50 percent "slow" or "controlled-release" nitrogen. If you can't find one at a garden store, try a local farm and garden store or agricultural chemical supplier.

Question. Is it too late or too early to put my mower away for the season?

Answer. I know you want to stop the unrewarding task of mowing, but if your lawn is still growing you should keep mowing it at the recommended height of 2.5 inches. Leaving the grass long can encourage diseases. Mowing extra short can stress your lawn, making it more vulnerable to the stresses of winter cold.

Question. The WSU Extension Master Gardeners diagnosed my lawn as having excessive thatch and recommended dethatching with a power rake. Is it too late to do it now?

Answer. Yes, you should wait until spring when things start warming up and the grass starts growing again. However, it's best to get your dethatching done before the middle of April.

Question. Is it too late to plant trees and shrubs?

Answer. No, now is a good time to plant trees and shrubs. The crowns of deciduous trees and shrubs are dormant, but the roots still can grow when the soil temperature is above 40 degrees. This allows them to grow roots and become better established before the heat of summer. However, you must be able to water them in and keep the soil moist if the weather turns dry and stays mild.

Overcast and cool foggy or misty days make us think the soil is moist when it isn't. To protect the newly installed plants, the best bet is to check the soil and water them if the soil is dry. If you want to plant trees and shrubs in the fall, you must be able to provide them with adequate soil moisture if nature doesn't.

Question. Is it too late to plant spring flowering bulbs?

Answer. No. You still may plant your tulips, daffodils, crocuses and other spring flowering bulbs. Just be sure to plant them at the proper depth (usually noted on the package), then water them in to settle the soil around the bulbs. Like newly planted trees and shrubs, bulbs also need soil moisture in the fall and mild parts of winter. This is needed for the development of roots and will promote healthy plants that will bloom more than one year.

* Marianne C. Ophardt is a horticulturist for the Washington State University Benton County Extension Office.