As the days get shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, it is time to prepare your garden for the coming winter. There are many little tasks that need to be done to get ready. Landscape Ontario has prepared a detailed list of fall clean up tasks.
The complete list can be found at
Here are some of these tasks:
September:
Add compost or manure to garden beds.
Plant new trees and shrubs, to give them at least six weeks before frost.
Plant spring flowering bulbs.
Clean bird feeders, gardening tools.
Bring in any clay pots.
Pull weeds before they go to seed to reduce the number of weeds next year.
October:
Transplant shrubs or young trees to new locations.
Cut diseased areas out of perennials. Do not compost.
Clean up garden debris. Remove all vegetable plants and fallen fruit.
Remove dead annuals from the garden, after a frost.
Cut back perennial foliage to discourage overwintering pests. Leave flowers with seeds for the birds.
Dig up tender bulbs such as dahlia, canna and gladiola. Wrap them in moist material and store in a cool, dark space.
November:
Divide spring and summer blooming perennial plants.
Buy bulbs to force for winter.
Mulch rose bushes.
December
Start paperwhites and amaryllis for winter blooms.
Over the winter months you join a horticultural society to learn more about gardening and meet other gardeners to share gardening tips.
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