Sweater weather is on its way! And before you know it, the temperatures will drop. The season is changing and so should your garden.
The days are shorter, the leaves are falling, and winter will eventually arrive in Annapolis. What can you do to prepare? Here are some helpful gardening tips that will help you get ahead of the game this fall!
Clean Up
Always clear debris from your garden after it has finished producing for the season. A clean garden is an inviting garden; weeds, leaves and even branches can become obstacles during a winter storm.
Rake up old plant material, remove dead annuals and cut back perennials to reduce disease risks for next year. And then take the time to protect it from cold weather damage by covering beds with mulch or straw.
Harvest Your Veggies
If you have a vegetable garden, now’s the time for harvesting the tender vegetables like pumpkins, zucchini and beans.
Hardy vegetables can actually survive the coming frosts and may continue to produce for a few months.
If you have any herbs or other plants that cannot survive freezing, consider canning or drying them out to use in the months ahead.
Who doesn’t love garden-fresh meals? Here are some great recipes for cold-weather soups and stews that include your preserved veggies. Enjoy!
Mulch Around Trees And Shrubs
Mulching not only keeps your soil in place but also protects roots from the cold. Be sure to mulch the ground around trees and shrubs that are particularly sensitive to freezing temperatures. This keeps them from losing nutrients over winter.
Winterize Your Roses
Be sure to cut back your rose bushes and remove the spent blooms. This is a great way to encourage them to keep producing next year. Plus it keeps your planters and flower beds looking clean and neat for the colder months.
Mow One Last Time
Give your lawn its last mowing before the first frost of fall hits. This will help the grass blades close and strengthen, which is crucial for proper winter insulation.
And since your mower will be in hibernation during the winter, now’s the perfect time to do some periodic maintenance on your machine.
Make sure there are no fluid leaks, tighten screws or bolts as needed, and replace worn parts. Before putting it away, check your oil levels and sharpen the blades if necessary.
A few extra steps now may save your garden next spring! Remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Prepping your garden and yard for the colder months is an important task for homeowners who take pride in the appearance and health of their property.
A few extra steps now may save your garden next spring! Remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Sturbridge Homes is a leading home builder in Annapolis and surrounding areas. Our goal as your partner is to build something you love inside and out! Contact our team today.