Are you ready to call it quits for the year in your garden? Well there are a few more things to do, before the tools and hoses get put away for the year.
I was out planting some perennials in my yard on Saturday and thought how can it be so hot yet in October and now today we are back to reality.but my perennials are nicely tucked into the ground for the winter. I watered them well and will continue to do so until the ground freezes. I will also put a layer of mulch over top of them. I mulch my leaves in my yard and use that - I leave the leaves in my yard and use them as mulch. The University of Minnesota says to follow this rule - the 50/50 rule. If you can see 50% of the grass under the leaves leave them, if the layer is heavier than that, use your mower to mulch them up and they will provide winter protection for your grass and break down and add nutrients to your soil.
I listened to a webinar today and learned that you should leave your perennials standing tall in your yard. Stem nesting pollinators will take refuge in the hollow stems for the winter. A new study has shown that the stem does need to be ruffed up a bit so they can find their way in. So it is recommended to cut them back to about 20 inches in height. But you can leave seed heads for the birds, like coneflowers and bee balm. Birds love them in the winter and it does provide some winter interest in the garden.I don’t like to look outside and just see white, so I have planted grasses and other perennials for that winter interest.
There is still time for you to plant those fall bulbs, like tulips and daffodils. One quick tip about tulips - deer love them. If you have trouble with deer, plant daffodils, they don’t like the taste! I have deer trouble so as much as I love tulips, I don’t plant them anymore.
With low temps predicted by the weekend, it is time to bring in those houseplants you have had outside all summer. Check for hitch hikers (bugs) and treat them if necessary, you don’t want to have an infestation in your house. Wipe off the container to make sure they are not hiding insects.
If you have young trees, white tree guards are a good idea to help protect them from rabbits, moles and vole damage during the winter months. Wrap sensitive evergreens in burlap or create a barrier to reduce drying winds that damage your trees.
Do yourself a favor before you store your tools for the winter. Give them a good cleaning with soap and water to remove any loose soil. Then it is time to disinfect them - one product to use is Lysol All-purpose cleaner. Research has shown this product will eliminate bacteria, fungi and viruses from your tools. Let them air dry.
One last thing to do - wash your gloves. They can harbor things just like your tools. You will thank yourself come spring!
