Fall is the perfect time to prepare your lawn and garden bed for the upcoming spring. This season is essential for strengthening the grass’ roots as well as providing a solid foundation for spring growth. In addition to lawn care, it is crucial to winterize garden beds by adding mulch to insulate the soil and protect plant roots from the cold. Adding extra compost to the garden in the fall will also give your soil the energy it needs to withstand cooler temperatures. It is also important to have a system in place for protecting plants from winter freezes.
One of the first steps to winterproofing your garden is to fertilize your lawn in late fall, about three weeks before the ground freezes, with a product such as Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard. This fall fertilizer helps build strong, deep grass roots for a better lawn the following spring. Another essential step is applying a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall to prevent winter weeds from emerging in the spring. Options like the crabgrass and grassy weed preventer from Scotts can be effective in controlling broadleaf weeds and grass species.
Fall is also a great time to repair bald spots on your lawn, as there is less foot traffic and the grass has time to regrow before winter. Products like Sunday Bare Repair Sun and Shade Grass Seed Spot Treatment or Scotts EZ Seed Tall Fescue can be great options for filling in bare spots and repairing lawn damage. Aerating your lawn is also important in the fall, as it allows the grass to breathe before going dormant for the winter. Tools such as the manual aerator from Agri-Fab can be useful for aerating small to medium-sized lawns.
In terms of adding nutrients to your garden, an organic soil mix enriched with lobster and crab meal can be a great option for all plants and vegetables. Using a compost caddy, like the one from Simplehuman, can help you start making your own compost, which can be added to planters and window boxes to invigorate container mixes. Mulches, whether organic or inorganic, can help maintain soil moisture and temperature, which is crucial for the health of your plants. Contrary to popular belief, fallen leaves do not insulate your garden and can actually cause malnourishment by depriving the lawn of sunlight.
To protect your plants from freezes, plant covers from Amazon can be a handy tool to have on hand. These fabric jackets provide protection for shrubs and can help them survive the colder temperatures of winter. By taking these steps to winterproof your garden in the fall, you can ensure that your lawn and plants are well-prepared for the upcoming spring, leading to a healthier and more vibrant garden.
