FALL GARDEN CHORES

• Pull dead annuals, leaving the roots to decompose in the soil

• Divide perennials to make room for next spring’s garden

• Fertilize in early fall to help next year’s lawn

• Repair dead patches –seeding in the fall gives you fewer weeds

• Clear plant debris and stubborn weeds from the garden

• Clean your garden tools to get them ready for winter storage

• Plant bulbs for next year’s spring blooms

• Mow the fallen leaves instead of raking to help feed the lawn – remove excess leaves before they matt down and smother the grass

• To keep rain barrels from getting stagnant, use up the water and clean the barrels for fall rains or to prepare them for storage

• Clean and organize your garden shed or storage area. Most unused insecticides and fungicides lose strength quickly after being opened – safely discard those you won’t be using next year.

• If you are bringing in any potted plants, the soil could have ants or soil-eating fungus gnats and the underside of the leaves could carry spider mites. You may need to re-pot in fresh soil or flush the soil out with several watering’s, and spray the underside of the leaves with clear water.