First, pull out any plants that are dead, as well as any weeds, dead or alive. Be careful not to disturb any perennials, as you will need to cover them with compost or mulch for the winter.
FALL GARDEN CLEAN UP TIPS
BY GREG POWELL - "POWELL THE FLORIST"
When your garden is no longer producing, or after frost has done things in, you need to clean up your garden to prepare it for next year’s growing season. This clean up will help assure that you will have a healthier garden and easier maintenance next year.
Rake your garden clean to remove any debris, weeds and/or diseased plants and discard.
Leaves and plant material (other than those weeds and/or diseased plants) can be placed in a compost heap for later use.
Now dig up any bulbs that will not winter over. Lay them in a dry place to dry out for a few days. Then place them in a paper bag and store them in a cool dry place until next spring.
This is also the time to split or divide and replant any plants you want to thin out or move to a different location.
Add fall nutrients and weed prevention to the soil. Rake it in and then add a layer of compost and cover the garden if you can to prevent weeds and bugs from invading.
When you rake up the leaves in the yard, add them to the compost heap. Then in the spring you’ll have more material to till into your garden.
By doing this your garden should give you a healthy crop of flowers or vegetables next year!
Greg Powell is a respected florist in the Michiana area, providing fresh flowers, greenhouse flowers and plants, as well as gifts. Powell The Florist has been in Mishawaka at the same location for 116 years.
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