To gardeners in zones with winter frosts and freezes, fall means lots of work and preparation for a healthy and spectacular spring garden. The drier days and cooler nights give the ideal combination for your yards and gardens to rest up for growth in the spring. (Gardeners in more moderate climates prepare as well.)
Here are the top tasks for my backyard:
- Dig up tuber flowers like dahlias to store in the basement and protect from the winter chill. The best way: store in wood shavings. Try the cedar shavings sold in pet stores.
- Aerate the lawn. This helps grass to grow and choke out weeds.
- Over-seed the lawn with grass seed.
- Plant bulbs for spring flowers like irises, daffodils, tulips and more. Journal where you plant them to avoid digging them up by accident!
- Cut back roses and other flowers and bushes to protect from winter freezes. One thing I learned the hard way: don’t prune too heavily. Check for your area.
- Cut back old wood for vines and plants that flower on new wood only. Save the vines and wood for mulch or use in your indoor or outdoor fireplace.
- Protect plants for winter with mulch.