As summer fades away, there are several things you can do to prepare your yard and garden for autumn and beyond. Begin with mowing, edging, and getting rid of weeds. Even weeds that are dying from the August heat can make your yard look uncared for and unattractive. They don’t always wither completely away, so it’s best to pull them or break out the weed eater.
If your garden is no longer producing, but is looking a bit overgrown, you may want to go over it with the mower or weed whacker too. Then, gather all your clippings and spread them on top of the garden spot evenly. Continue this process whenever you mow, and use those clippings as free fertilizer. This will help prepare the soil for next year’s garden.
If your yard isn’t getting as much activity as it did during the heat of summer, this may be an excellent time to begin patching worn spots in your lawn or to solidify areas where grass is thin. Kentucky Bluegrass has good color and texture and can be used in cool weather. While it is generally preferable for lower traffic areas, you can mix it to create a hearty blend. Perennial Ryegrass is a favorite for mixing with Kentucky Bluegrass and results in a thicker, more durable lawn. Use according to package directions.
Don’t forget fall flowers either. There are some hearty varieties that will last well into fall in moderate climates.
This is also a good time of year to check gutters and downspouts and begin a routine of doing so regularly. As leaves begin to fall, good gutter maintenance is imperative. Speaking of leaves, this is also a good time to purchase a new rake or leaf blower. Check your ladder to make sure it’s in good repair (never climb a ladder when no one else is around).
While yards and gardens don’t generally require as much work through late summer and fall as they do during spring and early summer, there is still plenty to do. It’s a good time to give decks and driveways a good cleaning and it’s not a bad idea to start building a deck while you can do so without high temperatures and humidity to make your job harder. It seems like there’s always something to do.
Just be glad you don’t have to shovel snow… yet!
Garden Tools and Their Care