Gardening in Autumn
Autumn is my favorite season. From seeing the leaves change colors to decorating the home with pumpkins and chrysanthemums, there is nothing like enjoying the outdoors and creating the ambiance of fall right at home.
Once the weather starts to get colder and you have to rummage for your cozy sweaters, you should also start making a list of what you need to do to prepare your garden against the colder months ahead.
Trim Back the Old
During the months of October through November, you should clean out your flower and vegetable beds, remove any dead foliage, and prune perennials to ensure they will bloom bigger and more vibrant for spring. Rose bushes, for example, need to be cut down to encourage new growth. Don’t be afraid to cut down to knee level. Your roses will grow back in full force.
Plant and Mulch
Weeks before the first frost, plant bulbs will bloom during early, mid, and late spring. If you want flowers that are bright and cheery, plant tulips and daffodils. If you want fragrance, plant hyacinths. Be prepared that squirrels might turn your garden bed into an all-you-can-eat buffet. I had a neighbor that would use moth balls to prevent the squirrels from digging in her garden. The downside to using moth balls is the unpleasant odor.
When you’re finished planting, sprinkle an even layer of mulch where you planted your bulbs to provide some protection from winter. You can even save some of the leaves you rack up and layer them as an alternative to mulch.
Clean Up
Before you stash your gardening tools away, clean them with a wet rag. Discard gardening gloves that have holes in them. Store your unused flower pots and garden decor that is too fragile to be left out during winter.
Extend your plant life all year round by moving them to a warmer location, like an indoor porch or a sunny area in your home. Just make sure you spray your plants with dish soap and water to get rid of any bugs lingering around. And double check if your plants are pet friendly before bringing them inside. If your outdoor plants/flowers are toxic, you might have to rethink a different location that your pets won’t have access to.
Gather Your Herbs
If you had planted herbs during the spring and summer seasons, take advantage of the fall weather and gather your herbs before the first snowfall. You can cut and tie your herbs and hang them upside down to dry. Once your herbs are dry, you can place them in glass containers and store them in a dark cool location. I like to collect lavender buds and put them in sachets where you can place them underneath your pillow, sock drawer, or closet.
Plan for Next Year
It’s never too early to start planning your garden for the following spring. Is there something new you want to grow? Do you want to expand your garden, make your own compost bin, or add a greenhouse to your patio/yard? Take this time to research and design a new garden layout. The fun thing about gardening is that you don’t have to be stuck planting the same plants and flowers. You can dig up and move plants to a different location and add something new.
My final tip is that a gardener’s work is never done despite the change of season. Make a list of what yard work needs to be done before winter. Don’t be afraid to prune your prized rose bush. And expect to lose a few bulbs from those darn squirrels. Add some autumn color to your garden by planting chrysanthemums and purple cabbage. And try to be patient in warmer weather. Spring will be here before you know it.
Happy Gardening!
