Late summer yard chores are not everyone’s cup of tea. But it has to be done. The weather is turning chilly and the longer you wait; the harder it is to complete the tasks in time for autumn and winter. For those who live in hot areas, you can’t help but welcome the idea of cooler temperatures. It’s time to grow your vegetables, plant fruit trees, put perennials to rest, replenish the soil, and even get ready for leaf blowing tasks. It is also time to get your gardens prepared for the Winter season the green, natural and organic way!
House the Tender Plants
If your flower pots have been lying outside through summer, it’s time they grace your living rooms. Since they are tender, you’ll not want to subject them to the harsh, crisp weather. Do not forget to bring in the tropicals and succulents too. It’s also important that you place them where natural light comes in so that they can get their fair share of growth in the months to come.
Plant Flower Bulbs
There are a wide variety of plants to grow during this time. To get your spring flowers blooming, this time of the year should be spent in planting flower bulbs. It’s always wise to wait for the soil to frost up if you live in hot areas. This way, the soil can absorb some moisture and cool down so that it will not attract diseases. The best thing about bulbs is that they are low-maintenance and serve as an excellent attraction for pollinating agents in spring.
Prepare your Compost Pile
Fall leaves are the main ingredients for creating your compost. The advantages are immense since you create your organic fertilizer which will work well to fuel your soil in spring. Remember to include uprooted spring bulbs, kitchen scraps, spent vegetables, and grass clippings.
Weed your Vegetable and Flower Gardens
Weed the garden by removing spent annual vegetable and gardens. You can include these in your compost heap but watch out for those infested with disease so that you don’t give them a comeback for next season.
Cut or uproot perennials. They grow back fast and easy, and it’s no use having them litter your garden with leaves in the heart of autumn. You can opt to pot some of the delicate ones and mulch them with freshly fallen leaves.
Amend the Soil
If you already have some compost ready, use it during the early autumn months. The ground is all thirsty and crusty. You’ll want to replenish the lost nutrients by adding organic matter like fresh mulch and grass clippings. Go a step further and till your land to ensure the fertilizer mixes well with the soil.
Take Special Care of Your Lawn
Your grass is probably very thirsty thanks to the hot summer months. As we enter September, fertilize your grass with proper lawn nutrients. Do not give mowing a break. Instead, ensure that you cut the grass to a tall height so that the roots get a good root foundation.
Plant Cold-Weather Veggies
Not all vegetables can withstand freezing temperatures, but it doesn’t mean that you skip enjoying your favorite greens. The short season veggies include onions, garlic, collard greens, spinach, and many others.
A raised garden makes for the best area to plant fall vegetables since you get to input the soil you want to see for your plants. Top soil carries most nutrients, and it’s only fair that you include it in the garden.
Prepare for definitive Leaf Blowing
You’ll have a significant share of fallen leaves if you have a few trees in your compound. Leaves decompose naturally into the soil to enrich and nourish it so leaving at least some of the leaves in lawn and garden is a good idea, but if you have many trees then you might think about using a leaf blower. Leaf blowers are also great for cleaning off your driveway, deck, porch, walkway or anywhere that they wouldn’t have a natural purpose. Leaf blowers can save you a lot of time when compared to a rake and broom.
There are many types of leaf blowers and you should find the one that fits your needs best. There are backpack leaf blowers that make for a huge attraction. You’ll want to take your time to look into the features so that you can have just the right equipment. Not to mention, if you have a small area with tight corners, it’s only right that you use a blower which affords you the flexibility of movement. In this case, you may want to consider a cordless leaf blower.
Wrapping Up
Fall is a beautiful season. Take advantage of this time by taking care of your garden to reap the benefits once spring arrives.
Source
Oliver’s home is at WonderlandGardens. A DIY enthusiast for more than 10 years, he writes about garden and home improvement projects, along with reviewing the top brands in the garden/home improvement industry.
Pingback: 6 Tips To Prepare For Winter In Your Garden The Green Way
I’m not ready for autumn (fall) yet but the boys are back at school and the mornings are now definitely a tad more chilly so I best get on and start getting the garden sorted. Does it count if I have “sow turnips” and “buy parsley seedlings” on my To Do list?
HI Rosie,
I don’t mind Fall I just don’t like Winter at all. Yes it counts as far as the “sow turnips & buy parsley seedling – anything counts that you feel is important and is part of what you want to do. Have a #healthy happy & blesse day! Thanks for stopping by & commenting!
We are starting our fall clean up and preparing for next year as well.
Hi Candy,
It is that time of the year to prepare for Fall clean up. Thanks for stopping by & commenting. Have a great day!