Getting Your Garden Ready For Winter

When the end of summer draws near one could tend to forget about garden care but the truth is that there is plenty of garden maintenance that needs to be done in the fall months. So if you hate to see the end of the gardening season, then you’re in luck because here are some tasks that will keep you out in the garden well into the fall.

Fall Planting And Transplanting

We often think of springtime as the time to plant new plants, but there are many trees and shrubs that prefer to be planted in fall. If you have some of these earmarked for your garden then now is the time to get them in the ground. Also, plenty of plants should be transplanted in the fall so if you are moving around any of these plants get these tasks done well before the first frost.

Cleaning And Pruning

Now is the time to clean out the debris from your garden such as fallen leaves, flowers and branches. Also, if you have annuals that have died off, dig them up to make room for next years plantings. If you have perennials, be sure to cut them back in early fall, before the frost sets in but take care of which plants you cut as many summer blooming shrubs like butterfly bush do better if you don’t cut them back until spring. Using The Worm Factory, a self contained tray system for composting with worms, is a great way to recycle soft leaves , kitchen scraps and paper. The compost produced by the worms (earthworm castings) is one of the best organic, non burning compost/fertilizer you can use in your garden.

Set Your Winter Mulch

Mulching can help give your plants a little more protection from the harsh cold of winter and what better way to use your raked up lawn leaves than for mulch in the garden? Shred the leaves and spread the mulch around the bottom and roots of your plants. You can shred them with the lawnmower or use a chipper. They will also make a nice compost to be worked into the soil next summer. You can also create additional compost of your leaves and flowers by using a composter. The Compost Tumbler has a turning action to help increase the decomposition cycle.

Spring Bulbs

Bulbs that flower in spring like tulips, daffodils and crocus should be planted in fall. Be sure to get them in before the ground freezes.

Watering

It’s important to water your trees and shrubs well in the fall as this helps them to survive winter better. Try to give them a deep soaking or two during the fall and right up until the ground freezes.

Fertilizing

You can fertilize your plants in the fall so that they are ready to grow lush and bountiful in the spring. Be sure you use a winterizing fertilizer that promotes root growth but does not promote leaf growth.

Getting your garden in tip top shape before winter can ensure that your plants survive and ready for healthy growth in spring. Not only that but your garden will be ready to go once those warm days hit and you can spend your time planting and nurturing instead of cleaning up last years dead branches and leaves!

Find out more on composting, vermiculture and greenhouses at Hummingbird Hollow.