Fall Garden Tasks: A Gentle Guide to Preparing Your Garden for Winter Leave a comment

 

September 22nd the first day of fall. The air turns crisp, leaves paint the landscape in hues of gold and crimson, and our gardens beckon for a little TLC before the winter chill sets in. As we pull out our gloves, rakes, and pruners, it’s essential to approach our fall garden tasks with care and the right tools. Let’s explore the gentle ways to prepare your garden for the colder months, ensuring it thrives come spring.

1. Gentle Leaf Blowing: Protecting Your Soil and Plants

Leaf blowers are a godsend when it comes to clearing large areas of fallen leaves. But there’s an art to using them without causing harm:

• Choose the Right Blower: Opt for a blower with variable speed settings. This allows you to control the force, ensuring you don’t damage plants or blow away essential topsoil. Recommendation: The EGO Power+ LB7654 765 CFM Variable-Speed 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Leaf Blower offers excellent power and control.

• Blow Directionally: Always blow leaves in one direction, preferably towards the edge of your garden or into a collection area. This prevents you from simply moving the leaves around in circles.
• Mind the Mulch: If you have mulched areas, be gentle and blow at a shallow angle to avoid disturbing the protective layer.

2. Perennials: The Autumnal Trim

As perennial plants start to fade, it’s time to give them a little trim:

• Wait for the First Frost: This signals the plant that it’s time to go dormant. After this, you can safely cut back.
• Prune Gently: Using sharp, clean pruners, cut back the plant to about 2-3 inches above the ground. Recommendation: Fiskars Steel Pruning Shears are durable and provide a clean cut.

• Label: If you’re worried about forgetting what’s what come spring, use plant markers to label your perennials after cutting them back. Bamboo plant signs are naturally looking, environmentally friendly alternatives instead of plastic material. The metal ones are also durable, and bigger in size.

 

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3. Shrub Trimming: Shape and Health

Fall is a great time to shape your shrubs and ensure their health:

• Avoid Over-Trimming: Focus on removing dead or diseased branches. Over-trimming can lead to a burst of new growth that might not survive the winter.
• Use the Right Tool: For thinner branches, hand pruners work well. For thicker branches, loppers or saws are more appropriate. Recommendation: Corona Compound Action Anvil Lopper is excellent for those tougher cuts.
• Shape Naturally: Instead of going for a strict geometric shape, try to trim your shrubs in a way that complements their natural form.

4. Tool Maintenance: Prepping for Spring

Before you store your tools for winter:

• Clean: Remove soil, sap, and plant residue. A simple mixture of dish soap and water works wonders.
• Sharpen: Sharpen the blades of pruners, shears, and hoes. Sharp tools make for cleaner cuts, which are healthier for plants.
• Oil: Lightly oil metal parts to prevent rusting. Recommendation: WD40 spray, or  dab of Boeshield T-9 protects tools from rust and corrosion.

In Conclusion

Fall garden tasks are more than just chores; they’re acts of love. As you trim, blow, and maintain, you’re setting the stage for a garden that will burst into life come spring. So, as you sip on your pumpkin spice latte and watch the leaves drift down, know that every task you undertake is a promise of blooms and growth in the months to come. Happy gardening!