Fall is a beautiful and fun time of year. But to the inexperienced gardener, it may cause more stress than joy. Fall is the season where most of your plants start to die, and if you aren’t sure what to do to preserve them, you may find yourself starting over when the snow melts and spring arrives.
Don’t rake up all of your leaves
You’ll still want to rake up any leaves that are on your lawn or on perennial beds, as they can cause rot, fungi, and pests to accumulate under the bed of leaves. But it’s okay for you to not rake up leaves that are under trees and shrubs that are on sturdy ground cover, as it will turn into mulch and compost, which is great for your soil!
Protect your perennials
If you keep track of them, you’ll see your perennials come back into bloom after winter is over. Mark their locations with a stick or some other natural marker, so you don’t lose them in the spring. It’s also the perfect time to bring any houseplants inside. Make sure to bring them in BEFORE you start using your heater for the winter, so they have time to acclimate to the change in temperature and environment.
Bring your herbs inside
Having an herb garden can be such a blessing, but if you leave them outside during the cold months, you may lose them. Dig up your herbs that grow outside, and bring them in until the weather warms up and the ground isn’t as cold anymore. Keep them in a cool, sunny spot, and let the soil completely dry out before you water it. When you need to use your herbs, snip the leaves rather than stripping the plant completely. This will help preserve the life of your plant.
Transplant your fruit plants
Some fruits, such as strawberries, rhubarb, and raspberries, will deplete the nutrients in the soil where they’re planted. Because of this, they need to be moved and replanted every three to four years. If it’s time to replant them, make sure you do it before the first light frost, so they have a chance to reroot.
Take advantage of the apples
There’s a reason everyone loves cider in the fall. Fall is the ideal time to harvest your apples to make cider. By all means use your blemished apples, but if all of your apples are rotted and bruised, it will affect the taste and overall quality of your cider.