As the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler, it’s time to start thinking about fall gardening tasks. There are a few things you can do now to ensure that your garden is healthy and ready for domancy. Completing these tasks before winter can help your plants survive over winter and wake up happy and healthy for spring!
Fall Gardening Tasks:
- Harvest any remaining crops. This includes vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. If you wait too long, the crops may be damaged by frost.
- Deadhead your flowers. Deadheading removes spent blooms and encourages new growth. You can also cut back the entire plant to about 6 inches tall.
- Protect your plants from frost. If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to cover your plants with a frost blanket or bring them indoors.
- Plant spring-blooming bulbs. This is a great way to get a head start on next spring’s garden. Some popular spring-blooming bulbs include tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths.
- Divide and replant perennials. This is a good way to keep perennials healthy and vigorous. Divide them every 3-4 years, and replant them in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
- Prune shrubs and trees. This is a good time to prune shrubs and trees that flower in the spring or summer. Pruning will help to improve their shape and health, and it will also encourage new growth.
- Mulch around plants. Mulching helps to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and protect plant roots from the cold. You can use a variety of materials for mulch, such as shredded leaves, bark chips, or straw.
- Clean up your garden. This is a good time to remove any dead or diseased plants, and to clean up any debris from the garden. This will help to prevent the spread of disease, and it will also make your garden look neat and tidy.
- Overwinter tender plants. If you live in a cold climate, you will need to overwinter any tender plants that you don’t want to die. This can be done by bringing them indoors, or by covering them with a protective layer of mulch or straw.
- Water your plants regularly. Fall is a time when the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to water your plants regularly. This will help to keep them healthy and prevent them from drying out.
- Inspect your plants for pests and diseases. Fall is a good time to inspect your plants for pests and diseases. If you find any problems, you can take steps to control them before they spread.
- Enjoy your garden! Fall is a beautiful time of year, so enjoy your garden while you can. Take some time to relax and appreciate the changing colors of the leaves.
- Plan for next spring. As you enjoy your garden in the fall, start planning for next spring. This is a good time to think about what you want to plant, and to start making a list of supplies.
Fall garden clean up is a BIG task to complete but it’s the best way to ensure that your garden plants survive the winter season.
Happy Gardening!
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