While summer might still be here and we’re still very much feeling the effects of it, the seasons are going to start changing soon. When it comes to your garden, those effects can be felt hard and fast, and if you’re not ready, you can be left with a mess of dead plants and fallen leaves. As such, here, we’re going to look at what you should do to get ready for the change in weather and prepare your garden during autumn so that it remains both aesthetically and practically up to snuff.
Clear Out Dead Plants And Weeds
First and foremost, you should scan over the garden once a week on the lookout for any spent annuals, dead vegetable plants, or persistent weeds. Not only do they look a little unsightly, but dead and dying plants can be perfect spots for pests and diseases to fester, which can create problems for your garden in the spring. Be sure to cut back perennials to keep the garden tidy and help them grow stronger in the spring, too. Don’t just pull and toss your dead and dying plants; consider adding any healthy debris to compost. If there are any signs that the plants are diseased, however, they should be trashed.
Add A Fresh Layer Of Mulch
For your perennials and hardy plants that last a little longer, it’s important to keep giving them a little care even as everything slows down for the winter. To that end, adding a new layer of mulch can do those plants a world of good. Not only does it lock in moisture and insulate plant roots, but it also helps to maintain a neat and uniform look for the garden. If you have any young trees, make sure that they get the benefits, as well. Use 2–3 inches of organic mulch such as shredded bark, leaves, or straw. Avoid piling mulch directly against stems or trunks as this can promote rot.
Have A Plan For Leaves And Debris
If you have any trees, bushes, or other plants with leaves that shed, then you should be ready for the mess that can come with them. Fallen leaves can not only become an unsightly mess in your driveway and on your pathways, but they can also smother grass and flower beds, which can lead to mould and pests. Instead of raking for hours, use a Worx blower to quickly clear your lawn, pathways, and garden beds. A blower-vacuum combo allows you to shred and collect leaves for compost or mulch, saving time and giving back to your soil. Pay special attention to any corners or dividing lines where fallen leaves can gather. The sooner and more regularly you do this as the leaves fall, the smaller your eventual clean-up is.
Plant Your Cold-Hardy Growths Now
There are plenty of bulbs and perennials that grow early in the spring, but to ensure that, you should plant them before the ground freezes, not after. This includes spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. You can also divide and replant hardy perennials like hostas, daylilies, and ornamental grasses. The cool soil encourages root development without spurring top growth, making fall an ideal time to establish plants. Be aware that your bulbs aren’t going to show any growth in the cold winter months, so you might want to put markers down where they are so that you don’t disturb them when doing general winter garden maintenance. Adding a little compost to the soil can help those bulbs maintain their nutrients throughout the weather, leading to strong and brighter growth in the spring.
Now Might Be The Time To Replace Your Fence
If you have a garden fence that is a little damaged, leaning to one side, or missing boards, then it’s a good idea to replace it now. Not only is it easier to replace fencing before the ground freezes up, but the cold and wet weather of autumn and winter can cause already damaged or degrading boards to worsen even faster. This can leave your garden looking particularly unsightly through the winter months. With the help of artificial options like a composite fence, you don’t have to worry about rot or damage much at all, of course. If you’re not replacing your fence, you might want to consider repainting and treating it at the very least.
Be Sure To Protect Your Garden
Before the cold of winter hits, make sure that you’ve taken steps ot protect your more sensitive plants. If you have any young or borderline-hardy shrubs, then you can use frost cloths or burlap to wrap them and keep them out of the cold. Meanwhile, you can move potted plants into sheltered areas like the garage or a covered porch. Your more sensitive fixtures might need a little attention, too. You can clean and store decorative items, solar lights, and watering tools to prevent weather damage. Taking the time now prevents loss and saves money on replacements next spring. It also clears visual clutter, leaving your garden looking neat and ready for the off-season while protecting your investments from winter’s wear and tear.
Leave a Reply