Many people assume that gardens are just a summer hobby, but there’s no reason you can’t keep yours growing all year round with the right planning. Choosing plants that are right for the season, maintaining your lawn and protecting your plants are all ways to let your garden grow regardless of the temperature outside. Learn how to help your plants weather the changing seasons with these four tips.
Start Plants in Containers
Growing season can be short in areas with harsh winters and scorching summers. Give sensitive plants an early start in containers so you can bring them inside on freezing nights. You can also use a greenhouse to start seedlings or cover your garden with a tarp to protect it from cold temperatures. Remember to check the local weather report so you can stay one step ahead of Mother Nature.
Fertilize and Treat Your Lawn
Mow your lawn less frequently starting in the early fall and leave the grass height a little taller for a thicker, greener lawn in the summer. Late summer to early fall is also a great time to rake moss and other undesirables out of your lawn. Give your grass an extra boost by aerating and putting down fertilizer. Start stocking up on turf supplies in the summer to make sure you have enough to treat your whole lawn.
Don’t Forget Fall Vegetables
Everyone loves colorful, juicy summer garden produce like cucumbers, eggplant and watermelon, but your garden doesn’t have to wither when the season changes. Bring in a delightful cool weather harvest by planting broccoli, winter squash, cauliflower and pumpkins. The best part is that fall vegetables make delicious additions to your holiday table and are ready to pick just in time for the festive season.
Plant New Perennials
Although spring is usually considered planting season, fall is the perfect time to get those hardy perennials in the ground. Planting in the fall rainy season reduces the need to water and helps shrubs and other perennials form the robust root systems they need to keep growing back every year. Fall is also the ideal time to split up your overgrown perennials and transplant them.
Keep in mind that even if your greenery dies away in the colder months, you can still get plenty of use out of your garden. Create a cozy oasis from the chill with a firepit or use holiday lights to bring bare tree limbs back to life while you wait for those seedlings to spring up.
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