5 Tips to Prepare Your Residential Garden for Fall
Preparing your garden for the cooler months is crucial as summer transitions into fall. Proper preparation ensures your plants stay healthy and sets the stage for a thriving garden come spring. At Mercury Mulch, we recognize the importance of adequate fall garden preparation and offer expert advice on the best mulching techniques to retain soil moisture and protect your plants from temperature fluctuations. With our guidance, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle your garden’s needs this season.
1. Clean up Your Garden
The first step in fall garden preparation is debris removal. Clear away dead or diseased plants, spent annuals, and fallen leaves. Debris removal helps prevent the spread of diseases and pests that can hibernate in garden debris. Fortunately, healthy plant material can create nutrient-rich compost for next season.
2. Prune and Trim
Prune back perennials and shrubs to remove dead or damaged growth. Trimming encourages new growth and helps plants focus their energy on solid and healthy branches. Remove any crossing or weak branches for trees to prevent breakage from winter storms.
3. Fertilize Wisely
Fall is an excellent time to fertilize your garden, but choose a fertilizer formulated for the season. Opt for a balanced, slow-release formula to nourish your plants and prepare them for the dormant period. Mercury Mulch offers a variety of high-quality bulk compost options to meet every gardener’s needs.
4. Mulch for Moisture Retention
The most critical step of fall garden preparation is applying a mulch layer to garden beds to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Choose a high-quality mulch, such as our hardwood bark or cedar mulch. Aim for a layer of 2-4 inches, spreading it evenly around all plants while keeping it away from the stems and trunks to prevent rot.
5. Protect Plants from Frost
Protect tender plants from frost as temperatures drop by covering them with frost cloths, burlap, or old sheets during cold nights. For container plants, consider moving them to a more sheltered location, such as a garage or covered porch, to shield them from harsh weather.
Effective preparation this fall can maintain the health and beauty of your residential garden. Follow these tips to ensure your garden stays in top shape. For expert advice, premium products, and fast delivery, contact Mercury Mulch at (757) 219-2033 for all outdoor landscaping projects. We proudly service Hampton, Virginia, and nearby cities, including Newport News, Poquoson, York County, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Isle of Wight.