As the gardening season winds down, there are a few key things you can do to get your garden ready for winter and set yourself up for a successful start next year. Here’s a a few tips for ending the season and preparing for next year’s garden:
- Clean Up the Garden
Start by clearing out any dead plants, weeds, and diseased material. This not only keeps your garden tidy but prevents problems from carrying over to next year. Healthy plant matter can be composted, but diseased stuff should be tossed.
Tools you might need: The Fiskars 28-Inch Bypass Lopper is great for cutting back thicker stems, and the Hori Hori Garden Knife is a super versatile tool for weeding, digging, and cutting.
- Enrich the Soil
Once the beds are cleared, it’s time to give your soil some love. Spread a few inches of compost or organic matter over your beds to enrich the soil for the next growing season.
Helpful tools: If you’re into composting, consider getting a bin like the FCMP Outdoor Tumbling Composter. To spread compost, a simple garden rake will do the trick.
- Plant Cover Crops
Planting cover crops like rye or clover can really help your soil over the winter. These crops prevent erosion, add nutrients, and suppress weeds.
Tools for the job: A Scotts Wizz Hand-Held Spreader makes spreading seeds easier. Also, a soil thermometer will help you make sure you’re planting at the right time.
- Mulch Your Beds
A good layer of mulch protects your soil, locks in moisture, and keeps weeds at bay. Natural mulches like shredded bark or pine straw will break down over time and improve your soil.
What to use: Look for Pine Straw Mulch or Shredded Bark Mulch at your local garden center.
- Prune Perennials
Perennials benefit from a bit of pruning before winter, though you can leave some standing to provide habitats for beneficial insects. Just trim back anything that needs it to promote healthy growth next season.
Tools you’ll want: A good pair of Felco Pruning Shears will make this job much easier. For larger branches, the Corona 10-Inch Folding Saw is a solid option.
- Clean and Store Your Tools
Before storing your tools for the winter, give them a good clean. Sharpen the blades, and oil anything that needs it to prevent rust and keep everything in good shape for next year.
Products to help: Linseed oil works wonders on tool handles and metal parts to prevent rust. And a sharpening stone will keep your blades in top condition.
- Reflect and Plan for Next Year
Take some time to think about what worked well this year and what didn’t. Use this downtime to plan changes or new additions for next season.
Products to get organized: A Garden Planner Journal is great for jotting down ideas, layouts, and planting schedules. And a seed organizer box can help you keep track of different varieties and planting dates.
- Winterize Watering Systems
Don’t forget to drain and store hoses and irrigation systems before the cold sets in. It’ll prevent damage from freezing.
Consider this: If your lawn needs aerating before winter, a tool like the Yard Butler Manual Lawn Coring Aerator can help improve water drainage and prepare the soil.
- Get Ready for New Projects
Late fall is a great time to start building raised beds, trellises, or any other garden structures for next year while the ground is still soft and workable.
Product ideas: Check out the Greenes Fence Cedar Raised Garden Bed Kit for a simple, easy-to-assemble raised bed. And if you’re planning on growing vertically, some sturdy trellis netting can support vining plants.
By following a few tips for ending the season and preparing for next year’s garden, you’ll finish the season strong and be ready to hit the ground running next year. Happy gardening!