As Fall Arrives, Plant And Prepare Your Lawn For Spring

Lowe's offers tips to help you take full advantage of autumn's abundance

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Oct 03, 2013, 01:46 ET

MOORESVILLE, N.C., Oct. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Most gardeners can't wait for spring to arrive so they can get outdoors and plant. But experts know fall is the perfect time to plant trees, shrubs and bulbs while tackling essential lawn care projects that will prepare your yard for a burst of growth next spring.

While soil temperatures remain warm - actually warmer than in the spring - air temperatures start to cool in fall, creating the perfect setting to get outdoors and plant in pleasant, moderate weather. The cooler air temperatures also mean less stress during planting of trees and shrubs while providing them a head start to develop root systems, acclimate and rest before spring's rush.

While fall offers the only time of year to plant spring-blooming bulbs, you don't have to wait until spring to add a burst of color to your yard. Pansies and mums thrive in abundance during autumn, complementing changing leaf colors in beautiful yellow, orange and red hues.

Also consider planting frost-tolerant vegetables in your garden such as:

Carrots: Try short or round varieties with rocky or heavy soil. Look for yellow, white, and purple selections for variety.
Beets: Known for their intense coloration, entire beet plants- roots and leaves- are edible. Try growing a sampling of striped, golden, and red beets. Beets can be roasted, pickled or sauteed.
Kale: Edible varieties of kale are just as hardy as their ornamental counterparts, which are widely used in pansy beds during winter. Try pretty "Red Russian" or tasty "Lacinato" for a calcium-packed treat.
Onions: An everyday kitchen ingredient, pungent onions are a garden staple. Whether growing white, yellow, or red, harvest early for immediate use or wait for bulbs to mature and dry them for storage.

Lastly, make sure your yard is able to withstand the stress of winter by maintaining lawn care in the fall. Start by aerating, which allows greater movement of water, fertilizer and air, to stimulate your lawn. Aeration also speeds the decomposition of grass clippings and enhances deep root growth. Then, apply the last main fertilizer feeding of the year and seed to avoid any bare spots in winter. Finally, lower your mower's deck for the last cutting to reduce disease potential during wet winter weather and to make raking leaves easier.

Once your planting and preparation projects are completed, it's time to entertain and enjoy the crisp, cool autumn weather with friends and family. Consider making "mumple" centerpieces or adding sparkle to trees or arbors with lights designed to create ambiance all evening long. For more ideas, inspiration and how-to advice, visit Lowes.com/creativeideas.

About Lowe's
With fiscal year 2012 sales of $50.5 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE^® 100 company that serves approximately 15 million customers a week at more than 1,825 home improvement and hardware stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

Video with caption: "The combination of warm soil and cool air makes fall a fantastic time for planting. Lowe's offers 3 quick tips to get healthy, beautiful results. 1) Plant flowers and veggies. 2) Plant Bulbs. 3) Plant Tress and Shrubs. Start now to make a big difference later." Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_YB4c9t8Dk

Video with caption: "Lowe's took a powerful high-speed camera (called the Phantom Flex) and filmed everyday yard work in slow motion. At 2,500 frames per second, the action virtually freezes in time, allowing a glimpse of how spectacular everyday tools can be. A chainsaw rips through wood and spits out sawdust, sending shavings flying. A trimmer chews up grass, captured in close-up macro focus. Fallen leaves colorfully lilt in the air when a leaf blower cleans them off a lawn. Take a closer look and get inspired." Video available at: http://youtu.be/dqF4b1SboLk

Image with caption: "Tap into your inner child and pile up the leaves while prepping for fall lawn care and maintenance this season. Use leaves as ground cover for garden beds to insulate perennials during cold winter months or bring leaves indoors for colorful craft projects, such as embellishing a wreath or creating a fun floral arrangement." Image available at: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131003/MM91704

SOURCE Lowe's