Autumn signals the end of warm sunny days and the onset of a long, cold winter that can challenge flower gardens. Drawing from years of hands-on gardening, here are the key tasks I schedule every fall to ensure a thriving landscape come spring.
Summer turns my lawn into the perfect spot for barbecues and gatherings with friends and family. The key to its vibrant green revival? My annual autumn maintenance routine, which preps it perfectly for winter dormancy.
With growth slowing, I give it a final mow in October. This helps preserve moisture and prevents drying out over the cold months, setting the stage for lush regrowth in spring.
I also fertilize with an autumn-specific blend, packed with nitrogen and potassium, to fuel a spectacular recovery by March.
As leaves fall from deciduous trees and shrubs, I clear beds, borders, and hedges of debris, trim back dead growth, and shape hedges for a tidy look.
For weed-infested spots, I remove brush and till the soil, readying areas for next year's plantings.
To shield sensitive plants from frost, I wrap them in plastic sheeting or bubble wrap and bring potted ones indoors. Fall is also ideal for planting shrubs and perennials, giving roots time to establish before winter.
