The best gardening advice you can ever take is to do it a little at a time and do it sooner rather than later, or else it will build up on you until it becomes a monumental task. This is especially true as winter rolls around, and changes to the weather and local wildlife can suddenly bring new challenges. Here, we’re going to look at what you should be doing to stay on top of your garden so that the changes of winter don’t make it several times more bothersome to deal with.
Rake Your Leaves Regularly
Falling leaves are a hallmark of autumn, but they can quickly pile up and make your garden look untidy. More importantly, leaving a thick layer of leaves on the ground can deprive your lawn and plants of sunlight, leading to mold and other fungal issues, especially when combined with moisture. Raking regularly as part of your routine maintenance can prevent this buildup and make each raking session shorter and easier. Consider composting the leaves you gather, as they can become nutrient-rich mulch for your plants when broken down. By keeping up with leaf-raking, you allow your garden to breathe and maintain its health, even as temperatures drop.
Keep an Eye Out for Pests
As temperatures change, so do the habits and prevalence of pests in your garden. Some pests, like aphids or snails, tend to seek shelter during cooler months, while others, like certain beetles, thrive in the seasonal transition periods. Staying vigilant about pests is crucial to preventing them from taking over and damaging your plants. If you think you already have an infestation, don’t be afraid to call professional pest control services. By regularly inspecting your garden for signs of pests and taking quick action when necessary, you can minimize the effort and cost associated with large-scale pest infestations.
Powerwash Your Patio
Over time, outdoor surfaces like patios and pathways collect dirt, moss, and algae, especially during wetter months. A dirty patio not only looks unsightly, but it can also become slippery and unsafe, making regular cleaning an essential part of seasonal garden maintenance. A quick powerwash can make a tremendous difference, returning your patio’s natural color and ensuring a safe surface for walking. Powerwashing also prevents dirt and moss from becoming so embedded that they’re difficult to remove. For this reason, it’s smart to powerwash at least once a season or whenever you notice grime building up.
Mind Your Gutters
While gutters may seem more related to your house than your garden, they play an essential role in protecting your plants and yard from water damage. When gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, water can overflow, leading to flooding around your garden’s foundations or excessive soil erosion in planted areas. This can damage plant roots and lead to a muddy mess that’s difficult to clean up. By clearing gutters each season, especially in autumn and spring, you ensure that rainwater is properly directed away from your garden beds and pathways. Yo
With the tips above, you can make sure that winter doesn’t add too much work to your garden. It’s best to get it out of the way as soon as possible.
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