Getting the Gardens Ready for Spring

September is the time of year I always start planning for spring. Even though we have a few good months of gardening left, I like to plan ahead.

Fall is the perfect time to get started on next year’s garden beds. I like to move the plants that didn’t perform very well in their current location. It is a great time to add to the landscape. I like re-designing or creating new beds and preparing the soil for the spring. A new landscape design is always a fun project for the fall. There is plenty of time to create a drawing and choose plants. Fall is also a great time to get a head start on next year’s plantings.

In late fall, pruning of the bushes is a must. This is the time to trim your flowering shrubs, such as Hydrangea, Hibiscus, Crepe Myrtle, etc. I would recommend trimming all your shrubs to keep them looking great. They will flush out fuller and bloom better next season if you prune in the fall.

As for the vegetable garden, once there is a frost that kills your summer garden, it is time to remove your crop and prepare the soil for spring. Turning the soil, (at least the top six inches) and adding compost is a good start. I like to have the soil tested by the local Agricultural extension to see what needs to be added. They test for everything and it’s not expensive.

Planting bulbs that will bloom in the spring is yet another way to add to the spring landscape. There are so many spring blooming bulbs, it is hard to choose. Planning and planting carefully can create a spectacular spring show.

Late Fall is also the time for raking leaves, over hauling the yard and weeding the beds to keep them looking great through the winter. Don’t put all the leaves in the compost pile or in the street for pick up. Fallen leaves are a great insulator for tender plants. They are great around roses, herbs, tender perennials, and can even be used to prevent wind damage. If you have a plant that is susceptible to winter wind damage (like a sapling), make a circle around the plant with chicken wire (leave plenty of room), stake it to the ground (a cut up wire hanger works great) and fill it with leaves. This will insulate the plant and protect it.

Enjoy the benefits of fall gardening and preparing for spring. The temperatures are cooler, the mosquitoes are dwindling, and watching the seasons change is amazing.