For most of us, preparing for autumn means digging out thick blankets, cozy sweaters, and turning on the heat. But for those of us who have a garden to maintain, it actually means we’ve got some work to do before we close the garden gate for the last time this summer.
Spring of next year might seem like a long way away, but it’ll be here before you know it. Having your garden prepped and looking bright and colorful after a long, cold winter we will certainly lift your spirits. So, where to start?
Here’s some helpful advice and gardening tips of how to get your garden ready for the colder months ahead.
Still thinking about changes to your garden?
If you’re wanting some changes to your garden you aren’t too late! You can still add a little flair or give it a lift before winter sets in. Most flowers might be out of season now, but you can spruce up your garden with some hardy shrubs. Something like Golden Globe Arborvitae from The Tree Center is a lovely little addition to any garden. Tough evergreens will survive the coldest of climates and will add a perpetual touch of green while we wait for the rest of the garden to come to life again. I think of evergreens as the foundation to my garden. They can add a nice back drop and height year round and then once you’ve decided where to add those, you can choose where you’d like flowering plants.
Get your mower out
You still need to catchup on a little maintenance before winter sets in and that means mowing the lawn. Grass will still grow over the coming months, albeit slowly. So keep an eye out for any dry days where you can get the mower out and cut the grass. It will help maintain your lawn health so it comes back looking green and thick in the spring. And if you are feeling overwhelmed and don’t have the time to do it yourself, check out a lawn service like PA trugreen to take care of it for you!
Clear debris
Whether it’s apples from your apple tree, dead flowers in the beds, or faded crops in your vegetable patch, you need to clear and remove any debris from your lawn and flower beds. This prevents disease, and also allows sunlight to reach the places it needs to get to. All you need to do is prep yourself for a day of garden work, such as by purchasing and wearing some Nitrex gloves to protect your hands, or even buying a new waterproof coat, and get busy!
Plant bulbs
Think ahead! You have to stay ahead of the game when it comes to gardening and that means planting bulbs to enjoy for next year! Spring will be here before you know it, so when September arrives, get planting your spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips and crocuses. Just remember to plant them somewhere with good soil drainage and plenty of sunlight too. I loved all the tulips and daffodils in our own home so you’d better believe I planted a few bulbs last weekend that I’ll look forward to in the spring!
Your patio furniture & yard tools
I’m talking anything that doesn’t naturally live in your garden. You’d be surprised how many people don’t bring in their garden furniture, BBQs and garden toys. Don’t wait until it’s too late! The same goes for your gardening tools. Pack them up, clean off any stuck on dirt, and store them away for next spring. You’ll be thanking yourself next year! A little extra work now will save your patio furniture from sitting out all winter rusting and your cushions from getting mold and mildew.
Wildlife
The colder months can be tough on wildlife. So why not give them a helping hand? Clean out your bird feeders and fill them up with birdseed. If you have a bird bath then give it a clean and make sure there’s fresh water available too! This is a great activity to get your children involved, too. You can even make a peanut butter pinecone bird feeder as a craft. We make it into a learning experience and try to identify the birds we see feeding at the feeder.
