With winter just around the corner, we know it's tempting to kick into hibernation mode and crack open the hot cocoa right about now. However, the fall season is the perfect time to spruce up your garden and ensure it thrives come next year. In this blog, we'll help you get your fall garden going just right so you can worry less about dying plants and more about pumpkin-spiced lattes!
Your Fall Garden Care Checklist for Keswick
Let's get started on those fall garden projects with this list of chores to square away before you enjoy that latte.
Fall Cleanup
Before jumping into any of your bigger fall landscaping projects, it's best to start with a clean slate by raking up and disposing of any fallen leaves and other debris. This not only tidies up the look of your garden but also prevents mould and pests from taking shelter under fallen foliage during the winter.
Plant Bulbs for Spring Blooms
Not many people know this, but fall is actually the perfect time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths. By tucking them into the ground now, you ensure they have time to settle in before winter, resulting in vibrant floral displays come early spring.
Lawn Care
Give your lawn a bit of TLC this fall by aerating, fertilizing, and overseeding. Aeration allows water, nutrients, and air to reach the grassroots, overseeding fills in any bare patches, and fertilization will provide your lawn with the additional nutrients and strength needed to withstand the harsh winter ahead.
Mulching
Mulching is a crucial fall garden project, especially for the cold climate of Keswick. Spread a layer of our best organic mulch around your plants to help insulate the soil, retain moisture, and control weed growth. This protective layer also keeps your plants cozy and reduces the chances of frost damage.
Winterize Your Pots
If you've got any potted plants going this year, don't forget to bring them indoors or move them to a sheltered area before the first frost. If they're too large to move, consider wrapping the containers in insulating material to protect the roots from winter's freezing temperatures.
Pruning and Trimming
Before the snow falls, give your shrubs and trees a good fall haircut! Pruning removes any dead or damaged branches, encouraging healthy growth and preventing heavy snowfall from weighing down and potentially snapping branches throughout the winter. It is a great idea to ask pros for the best fall pruning tips to keep your plants in great shape all season.
Gutter Cleaning
A clogged gutter can eventually lead to ice dams, which can wreak havoc on your roof and landscape! As part of your fall garden project list, clean out your gutters to ensure that melting snow and ice can flow freely, preventing any structural damage.
Hardscape Maintenance
Now's the time to inspect your garden paths, patios, and other hardscape features for cracks and uneven surfaces. Repairing these now will prevent further damage during winter's freeze-thaw cycles.
Install Winter Interest Plants
While many plants go dormant in the winter, some varieties can add beauty and interest to your Keswick garden throughout the cold season. Consider planting winter-blooming flowers like witch hazel or evergreens like holly and spruce to keep your garden looking gorgeous despite winter's gloom.
Install Garden Structures
Fall is an excellent time to install garden structures like trellises and arbours that add aesthetic value and support climbing plants like clematis.
Build a Compost Pile
You can make a great compost pile with fallen leaves, kitchen scraps, and other organic material you have lying around. By next spring, you'll have nutrient-rich compost ready to enrich your soil and support your plants' new growth.
Wildlife-Friendly Additions
Installing bird feeders and birdhouses in the fall is a great way to help our local wildlife thrive during the winter and allows you to enjoy nature's beauty even when your garden is covered in snow.
Lighting Up Your Garden
With the days growing shorter, consider installing some landscape lighting as one of your fall garden projects. Well-placed lights can enhance the beauty of your garden during the long winter nights and provide extra security as well.
Prepare Your Water Features
If you have a pond or other water feature, take the necessary steps now to get it ready for winter. Clean out debris, shut off pumps, and add a floating de-icer to prevent ice from forming and potentially damaging your equipment.
By tackling these fall garden projects now, you'll be ensuring your garden's health and beauty, setting the stage for a spectacular springtime display. So, grab your gardening gloves, enjoy Ontario's crisp autumn air as you prepare for a happy winter garden season, and don't forget to visit the garden centre for all your chore needs! Whether you're in need of some more landscape design tips or some good quality bulk mulch, we're your local source for all things green.