By Jeanne Yeoman, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
Roots continue to grow until ground temperatures are below 40 degrees, so this is a good time to be sure your landscape is ready for fall. Mulch perennial beds with organic material such as bark chips or shredded leaves to suppress weeds, preserve moisture, and give roots a longer time to grow. Mulch should be no deeper than 3 inches and placed about 2 inches away from plant crowns to ensure good air circulation. Applying compost or worm castings in the fall adds nutrients and has other beneficial soil effects. Be sure to keep watering until the soil freezes because roots surrounded by moist soil are less likely to suffer cold temperature injury.