Fall Gardening Tips: What You Must Do First

20 Aug Fall Gardening Tips: What You Must Do First

With daytime highs of 35°C to 40°C and heat warnings in effect, summer has been quite rough here in Kelowna. And now that the end of the season is in sight, we’re welcoming fall with great relief.

In just a few weeks, the leaves will start to change colour, and temperatures will cool down. But you don’t have to hang up your gardening gloves just yet!

Fall is when many people like to get their yards and gardens ready for the winter. So if you want to give your garden a little TLC before the snow starts to fall, here are a few things you should do with your garden once fall comes around.

Get a Head Start With Your Fall Gardening With These Crucial Steps

Autumn is arguably the most leisurely time to go outside and enjoy nature. The blistering heat wave has finally broken, the kids are back in school, and there’s a crisp chill in the air that feels invigorating after months of stifling humidity. It’s also the perfect time to give your garden the TLC it needs to stay healthy and thrive as winter approaches.

If you have a lawn or a garden, this season may prove hectic for you as there is a robust list of things you need to do to prepare your landscaping for the colder months. From leaves that need raking to perennials that need dividing, there’s a lot of work to ensure your yard looks its best come spring.

At the same time, all these chores can get overwhelming if you don’t have a sound plan. Having one helps you stay organized and makes the entire process much less daunting. Here’s a list of some of the first things you should do with your garden once fall comes around. 

Consider this a checklist you can always return to as you work through the season.

1. Rake up Leaves

This is perhaps the most apparent task on the list, but it’s also one of the most essential. Wet leaves can damage your lawn if left to sit, so it’s best to rake them up as soon as possible. Wet leaves can also lead to mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your plants.

This task might seem daunting if you have many trees on your property. However, you can do a few things to make the process easier. 

• First, rake regularly so you’re not dealing with a vast pile all at once.
• Second, invest in a suitable leaf blower. This will help you move leaves around without putting too much effort into it.
• Finally, if you have the space, consider composting your leaves. This is a great way to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Just remember to avoid putting any leaves treated with chemicals into your compost bin.

If you don’t have a lot of trees on your property, you can still rake up leaves and use them in your garden. Leaves are a great source of mulch and can help protect your plants from the cold weather.

There are two types of leaves that you can use for mulch: hardwood leaves and softwood leaves. Hardwood leaves, such as oak and maple, break down slowly and last for several years. Softwood leaves, such as pine and cedar, break down quickly but must be replaced more often.

Both types of leaves have their pros and cons, so choosing the right type for your needs is essential. If you’re not sure which kind of leaf to use, ask a gardening expert at your local nursery.

2. Cut Back Perennials

Perennials are a great addition to any garden, but they must be appropriately cared for to thrive.

What Are Perennials?

Perennials are plants that live for more than two years. This means they will come back year after year, provided they are well-cared for. Many people grow perennials because they provide long-term beauty with little upkeep required.

Perennials generally don’t need to be replanted every year like annuals, but they do need some care to stay healthy. One of the most important things you can do for your perennials is to cut them back in the fall. This helps them to survive the winter and come back strong in the spring.

Cutting back perennials is a simple task that requires no special equipment. Just use a pair of sharp gardening shears to cut the plants down. Be sure to dispose of the trimmings properly so that they don’t spread disease to other plants.

After you’ve cut back the perennials, applying a layer of mulch is a good idea. This will help to protect the roots and prevent weeds from taking over. There are many different types of mulch that you can use, so choose one that’s right for your needs. Some popular options include wood chips, straw, and leaves. Applying a layer of mulch is a simple task that can make a big difference in the health of your perennials. Be sure to do it after you’ve cut back the plants, so the roots are adequately protected.

3. Get Rid of Weeds

Weeds are one of the most common problems in any garden. Come autumn, they start to die back naturally, making them easier to pull out of the ground. This task can be simple, but it can also be time-consuming if you have a lot of them. The best way to tackle this task is to do it little by little, regularly. This will prevent the weed problem from getting out of control.

If you have a lot of weeds, you might want to invest in a weed whacker. This tool makes it easy to cut through the tough root systems of weeds. Weed whackers are available at most hardware stores and come in electric and gas-powered models.

No matter how you choose to get rid of weeds, make sure to dispose of them properly. Don’t let them go to waste, as they can spread seeds and cause new weed problems. You can either compost them or throw them in the trash.

Getting rid of weeds is an important task that will help to keep your garden looking its best. Be sure to thoroughly inspect your garden for any more weeds, as leaving one can eventually lead to an infestation. So, just when you think you’re done weeding, give your garden or lawn one more go just to be sure. Never leave any weeds in your garden beds. If your soil is hard and dry, water your plants a few hours before weeding. This will make weed removal much more manageable.

4. Control Vine Growth

Vines can be a beautiful addition to your garden, but they can also get out of control quickly. In fall, it’s crucial to control the growth of vines so that they don’t damage your plants. There are two main ways to control vine growth: physical removal and chemical treatment.

Physical removal

This is the most effective method, but it can be time-consuming. You’ll need to carefully dig up the vine’s roots and ensure that all of them are removed. This can be a difficult task, so it’s best to ask for help from a gardening expert if you’re unsure how to do it.

Chemical treatment 

This is another option for controlling vine growth. Many different products on the market can be effective. Be sure to read the labels carefully and follow the instructions to avoid harming other plants in your garden.

Vine control is an important task that will help to keep your garden looking its best. Be sure to tackle this problem as soon as you notice it, as vines can quickly take over if left unchecked.

5. Spread Organic Fertilizer and Compost

Organic fertilizer and compost are two of the most important things you can add to your garden, especially during the fall season. They help improve the soil’s quality and provide nutrients that plants need to thrive. In fall, it’s a good idea to spread a layer of organic fertilizer and compost over your garden beds. This will give your plants a boost as they prepare for winter.

Organic fertilizer and compost are available at most garden stores. Be sure to choose a product that’s right for your needs. You can also make your compost at home using kitchen scraps and other organic materials. Spreading organic fertilizer and compost is an important task that will help to keep your garden healthy and productive. Be sure to add a layer of these materials to your garden beds every fall.

6. Plan New Garden Beds

If you’re thinking of adding new garden beds to your property, now is the time to start planning. The cooler weather makes it easier to work outside, and you’ll have plenty of time to get the beds ready for planting in spring. When planning new garden beds, consider things like sunlight, drainage, and soil type. You’ll also need to choose the right plants for your garden.

Planning and preparing new garden beds is a big task, but it’s worth it if you want to expand your gardening space. Be sure to take your time and do some research before getting started. This way, you can be sure that your new garden beds will be successful.

Still Stumped With What To Do With Your Garden Once Autumn Arrives?

Now that fall is bearing down on Kelowna, it’s time to start thinking about what you need to do in your garden to get it ready for the winter. We can help you with your gardening needs here at Kel Lake Garden Center. From gardening equipment to expert advice, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today and let us know what you need! We look forward to helping you prepare your garden for a beautiful winter.