Getting your autumn garden ready takes a lot of work and preparation. But getting the jobs done now while the weather is still relatively warm makes it much easier come spring when it can still be freezing. So, from mowing to hydration, here are some handy fall gardening suggestions.
Remove Anything that is Dangerous
There are many dangers in a garden, and it can be hard to spot them. Toys, loose pavings, and even a tree can pose a threat. These can be hard to spot when the nights are darker and can even become missiles during storms. Generally, you want to keep the place tidy. But tree removal requires an expert, and there are some things that need to be done after tree removal to ensure better safety in your garden. Not least, leveling out the soil again, ready for plants.
An Autumn Garden Includes Mowing
The woes of mowing your lawn every other day, like in summer, might be coming to a close, but you aren’t getting off that easily. The lawn will still grow during the course of the autumn and into the winter, even if it is more slowly. But it does grow and, therefore, needs to be trimmed. Of course, it helps to wait for a dry day as a waterlogged mowing session is almost impossible. Keep mowing while you can in early fall, and periodically check before the ground is frozen.
Check The Lawn for Worm Casts
Mowing your lawn is only part of the job, and there are some other things you also need to do. One of these is checking for worm casts. These are bits of soil that worms secrete after eating the earth. They can become a bit of a mess and make your lawn look unappealing beginning in September. Periodically check your lawn, and if you spot any, clear them up on a dry day, or they become muddy. For best results and to make the job easier, use a besom broom.
Treat Your Grass Now for Strength Later
A healthy lawn and grass make the garden look and feel its best, and fall and winter are no time to sleep on this. Especially if you want the best possible lawn for the coming spring:
- Feed the grass with autumn lawn food, so it has the strength for the coming spring.
- Remove all leftover crops and weeds from any soil patches that won’t be used.
- Bring more fragile plants inside to prevent them from dying over the winter.
- Remove any debris from the hedges and trees, such as branches and fallen fruit.
- Keep your gardening tools clean and in good working order to make all jobs easier.
Maintaining the garden in this way can be hard. But your efforts are repaid with a safer, cleaner, and healthier area, with less work to do when it gets warmer and you want to enjoy the weather.
Begin Planning and Planting of Bulbs Now
It is essential that you begin to plant bulbs in the early fall because, later on, the ground will become too hard to do so. This means you won’t be able to plant your spring bulbs ready for the season. Any time in autumn is OK for planting spring bulbs, but most gardeners take the time to do it in September to avoid delays and disappointment. Some of the most common spring flowering bulbs to plant in fall include daffodils and tulips, bluebells, and Lily of the Valley.
Don’t Forget to Hydrate Your Autumn Garden
The weather can remain dry during autumn, even after the summer sun. This means your lawn and plants may still need watering, and they can become even more dry as the groundwater freezes. Giving the plants a good hydrating now can help ensure they can make it through the winter as you never really know what will happen. Be careful to also pay special attention to any plants you have in containers, as these can dry out much quicker than natural ground plants.
Store Away Any Loose Garden Furniture
The elements can be the stuff of nightmares when it comes to your garden furniture. First, rain and drying encourage mold and moss that can ruin chairs and tables. And these are often expensive, so don’t leave them out. Second, though, autumn storms can become rather dangerous, and the wind can pick up loose furniture to be propelled at your home as missiles. The last thing you need is a lawn chair coming through your garden’s double-door window.
Summary
Removing anything potentially dangerous from your autumn garden is vital for health and safety. But you can also make spring jobs much easier if you treat your lawn and yard area while the weather is still favorable. Finally, ensure you store away furniture to prevent missiles and mold.
