Johnson's Labor Day Weekend Plant Sale starts today.

Hello, again!

Meteorologists are interesting people. The average Joe typically likes to go outside and see what’s going on with the weather when they hear sirens. But meteorologists are in tune with our weather every day and every season. So it makes sense to me that meteorological and astronomical seasons are different. The first astronomical day of fall may not be until September 23, but Friday, September 1, is the official meteorological first day of fall.

I checked in with KAKE Meteorologist Frank Waugh awhile back to get the scoop on why meteorologists get to name their own seasons. He explained that the official start of fall is the Autumnal Equinox, when the sun is over the equator equally day and night. The earth will then gradually tilt, as we approach the Winter Solstice, to a max of 23.5°. Meanwhile, meteorological fall is always September, October, and November.

So, why do meteorological and astronomical seasons begin and end on different dates? In short, it’s because the astronomical seasons are based on the position of the earth in relation to the sun, whereas the meteorological seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle.

Horticulturists typically concur with our meteorologist friends. We get to the first of September, and we are in full fall gardening mode. This week, we have restocked the garden center with beautiful fall color, including our first crop of mums. Our pallets of Gard’n-Wise Premium Fescue Blend Grass Seed and ferti-lome Winterizer are in the warehouse ready to go. Given our warm soil and cooling air temperatures, fall is prime time to establish many trees and plants.

During our conversation, Frank mentioned that his lawn was looking a bit tired. My advice to him was as soon as it cools down a bit to feed the lawn; ferti-lome Winterizer would be an excellent choice. Applying Natural Guard HuMic at the same time will add beneficials to his soil, as would an application of Milorganite.

Other plantings for the fall horticulture season would be to add some color to your gardens. With our homegrown celosia, coleus, zinnias, pentas and more in stock, I’m sure we have something in fall hues that you’ll like. I have my eye on the mums we've grown in hanging baskets - an ideal way to enjoy mums, if you ask me.

Join us now through Monday for our Labor Day Weekend Sale. We have specials on trees, shrubs, grass seed packages, perennials and more to kick off the fall planting season. See you soon!

Your friend in the garden,

Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's Garden Center