A little work and cleanup now will make your life a lot easier next spring.
So heres our list of what to do now:
- As the nights grow colder, throw sheets of plastic over your tomatoes and
peppers and other frost vulnerable crops. Leave carrots and beets in the ground
since a little hardy weather wont hurt them.
- Toss dying plants in the compost. To prevent the spread of bacteria throw
diseased plants in the trash. Next years crop will thank you for it later.
- Now is a good time to also sacrifice struggling annuals to the compost pile,
but before tossing perennials wait until a cold frost blackens the leaves.
- Rake and shred leaves for mulch. When youre done using your mower give it a
good rest and be sure to empty out its gas and oil and clean off the blade.
- Prune diseased and dead branches from trees and shrubs. Inspect branches
near power lines and pester the electric company to remove those that are too
close...dont try it yourself! Also, trim branches that are in danger of landing
on your roof from heavy snow or ice.
- Store your garden hose, shut off water and drain valves and pipes in order
to prevent damage from freezing weather. Also store watering cans and birdbaths.
And, so water wont collect inside and freeze, turn over any outdoor pots and
containers.
- Clean and store outdoor lawn and patio furniture, gardening tools and
barbecue equipment. Store your bikes too. Remember, your bike tires will last a
lot longer if you let the air out when you store them.
- As if raking isnt enough... sweep your driveway and then check for hairline
cracks. Repair them now to prevent the cold from turning them into monstrous
valleys. Use putty, found at your nearby hardware store, thats designed to fill
cracks up to a half-inch deep--otherwise use asphalt or concrete.
- Do any outside painting or staining that needs to be done. This is a good
time to scrub, paint and waterproof the deck. Make sure there arent any major
jobs best left to the pros. If so, call now to schedule since this is their busy
season. Otherwise you might have to wait until spring.
- Fall is a time to think ahead and to make changes in your garden. Transplant
trees and bushes so the roots will mature over the winter months. Plant bulbs
and cover roses.
