PREPPING YOUR GARDEN FOR FALL
Prepping your garden for fall is essential to ensure the health and productivity of your plants in the coming seasons. As temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten, many plants slow their growth or completely go dormant. This is an ideal time to clear out spent summer crops and remove any weeds or debris that could harbor pests or diseases over the winter. Additionally, planting cover crops or mulching can protect the soil from erosion, retain moisture, and suppress weed growth. Properly preparing your garden for fall not only maintains its beauty through the cooler months but also sets the stage for a successful growing season next year. Here is a list of 10 things you should make sure to check off your to-do list before the temperatures start to drop:
Deal with fallen leaves. Grass usually won't tolerate thick layers of leaves well so it's best to rake off what you can.
Seed or lay sod. Cool temperatures combined with late fall rain make for ideal conditions for establishing new lawns or repairs in most regions.
Weed Thoroughly: Remove weeds to prevent them from seeding and spreading in the next growing season.
Add Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and prevent weeds.
Plant spring-blooming bulbs. Tulips, daffodils, and many other spring-blooming bulbs are best planted in late September or October.
Keep Watering. Even though perennials are going dormant in fall, their roots are still actively growing until the ground freezes. Well-hydrated plants withstand winter stresses better.
Plant Cover Crops: Sow cover crops like clover or rye to protect the soil from erosion.
Amend the Soil: Adding compost or organic matter to the soil during fall helps improve soil structure and fertility, giving your garden a head start when spring arrives.
Protect Vulnerable Plants: Cover tender plants with row covers or bring potted plants indoors to protect them from frost.
Prune after dormancy starts. Trimming after August will trigger tender new growth that's easily damaged in winter. Instead, wait to prune until leaves have fallen from deciduous species.
