Now that Summer is coming to a close, it is time to start thinking about Fall and Winter. The steps you take in the upcoming weeks will help boost your garden in the Spring. Here are a few simple steps to help get your garden ready.
1. Clean Area & Rake Leaves
Gather any fallen branches, debris, and leaves. Use collected leaves as mulch for the perennials or compost them through the Winter. This is a great time to build that compost for Spring.
2. Bring in Plants
If you had any plants that you placed outside during the Summer months, now is the time to return them to the greenhouse or inside for protection from the cold.
3. Prepare Greenhouse or Build Hoop House
To help extend your gardening into the Fall and Winter, prepare and organize your greenhouse, build a simple hoop house(s) or prepare to use row covers. Preparation is the key!
4. Prune
This is the time to prune and prepare your plants for Spring. Remove dead or damaged limbs, branches or stalks from your plants, shrubs and trees.
5. Plant a Cover Crop
If you are not planning of maintaining a Winter garden, consider planting a cover crop to build up your soil nutrients.
6. Plant Spring Bulbs
If you want to enjoy some of Springs beautiful bulb flowers (crocus, daffodils, Hyacinths, etc.), you need to plan and plant them in the ground around the first frost. Come Spring, you will be happy you did!
7. Plant new Trees and Shrubs
Fall is the perfect time to plant new trees and shrubs. They will settle and establish roots during the Winter. This is also the time of year to fertilize existing trees and shrubs by providing the nutrients over the Winter.
8. Clean and Organize
Before you put your tools away for the season, give them a good cleaning and do any needed repairs. This is also a great time to organize your tools to ensure quick and easy access in the Spring. Think about what you would like your garden to consist of in the new year and start planning!
Come Spring, you will be happy you did!
Do you have any garden prep tips that have been useful to you?
Theresa
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