Tips For Preparing Your Garden For The Fall Season

Autumn Garden Prep:

• Clean Up – Prevent disease and pests from spreading throughout your garden over the winter by clearing and removing dead/overgrown weeds, plants and debris. This will give your garden a fresh start when spring arrives.
• Trim and Prune – Trim back and prune dead branches from shrubs, trees and bushes. This will reinforce healthy growth and prevent damage during winters storms.
• Mulch – Spread a layer of organic mulch around your plants and garden to deter weeds, regulate soil temperature and retain moisture throughout the winter months. Straw, leaves and/or compost are great options.
• Divide and Transplant – the Autumn season is a great time to transplant perennials (i.e. irises, hostas, peonies) to give them time to establish roots before winter. Divide the overcrowded perennials to give them space and room for their roots to take hold.
• Prepare Bulbs – If you plan to plant spring-blooming bulbs (i.e. tulips, daffodils), fall is the time to do so. Plant the bulbs before the ground freezes to allow them to establish their roots.
• Shelter Container Plants – if you have potted plants, protect them. Wrap the pots with insulated materials to avoid freezing or move them to a covered, sheltered location. Extremely sensitive plants should be brought inside.
• Prepare Your Lawn – Promote healthy grass growth for next season by aerating and seeding your lawn. Rake and remove debris and leaves off your lawn to prevent disease and mold.
• Fertilize – Use a balanced fertilizer in your garden to give plants a boost. This will help them store nutrients throughout the winter months and give them a strong start in the spring.
• Plant Fall Flowers – Certain plants thrive and bloom in the fall, including pansies, mums and asters. These plants provide nectar for late-season pollinating and add color to the garden.