We all have a bedtime routine, well it’s also a great time to establish one for your garden.
We’ve ended this season on a fairly dry note. So it’s important to continue to water new plantings and evergreens well into fall. You don’t need to do it as frequently as summertime, but they do need a good drink before they go completely dormant in the winter. This is also an effective means of minimizing injury to trees and shrubs during the winter. Water sparingly throughout early autumn, and as the leaves begin to fall switch to less frequent, but deeper watering of deciduous trees and evergreens.
It’s also a great time of year to mulch your planting beds. A layer of mulch insulates the ground therefore allowing it to stay frozen, protecting plants from winter freezes, thaws and winds. A steady temperature will keep the plant in dormancy and prevent it from triggering new growth during a brief warm spell. Tender, new growth too soon will just result in more winter die back. Mulching now will also help conserve whatever water is in the soil.
Also don’t forget to take an inventory of your garden. Make notes of what worked and didn’t work. What needs to be divided for spring or moved to another location? You’ll have plenty of time in the winter to select some fun new plants and add to your amazing garden come spring.
