Before putting away the lawn tools for the winter, it is important to prepare your lawn and garden bed this fall to ensure a healthy start in the spring. Lawncare experts emphasize the significance of fall lawn care in strengthening the roots of your grass, providing a solid foundation for growth in the coming season. Beyond just lawn care, it is also essential to winterize your garden beds by adding mulch to insulate the soil and protect the plant roots from the cold. Additionally, adding compost to the garden in the fall will provide the soil with the energy it needs to withstand cooler temperatures. Having a system in place to protect plants from winter freezes is also crucial for maintaining a healthy garden throughout the colder months.
There are eight items recommended to help you winterproof your garden this fall. One essential step is to fertilize your lawn in late fall, about three weeks before the ground freezes, with Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard. This fall fertilizer is designed to build strong and deep grass roots, ensuring a better lawn in the spring. Another recommended product is a pre-emergent herbicide that can be applied in the fall to prevent winter weeds from emerging in the spring. This herbicide from Scotts is specifically designed for dry lawns and provides effective control of various broadleaf weed and grass species.
With less foot traffic on your lawn during the fall, it is an ideal time to repair any bald spots that may have developed. Products like Sunday Bare Repair Sun and Shade Grass Seed Spot Treatment or Scotts EZ Seed Tall Fescue are excellent options for filling bare spots and repairing damage. Aerating your lawn before it goes dormant is also recommended by experts as it gives the grass time to breathe, promoting a healthy spring lawn. An option for manual aeration, such as the Agri-Fab 16-inch push spike aerator, can be used for smaller areas and garden beds to maintain a healthy lawn.
Organic soil mixes enriched with natural and organic ingredients like lobster and crab meal are great for all plants and vegetables. Adding them to planters and window boxes can help invigorate container mixes. Compost caddies like the one from Simplehuman make it easy to start making your compost. These stainless steel cans keep odors in, are easy to clean, and can be attached to the garbage can for convenience.
Mulches play a vital role in maintaining soil moisture and temperature. They can be organic, such as grass clippings, straw, bark chips, or inorganic, like wood mulch. Using mulches can help protect your garden and keep it healthy throughout the fall and winter months. Contrary to popular belief, fallen leaves do not insulate your garden, but rather can cause malnourishment due to sunlight deprivation. Keeping your lawn free of debris by raking it throughout the fall season can help maintain its health.
For protection from freezes, plant covers like fabric jackets can be handy for shrubs. These covers are available at various retailers, including Amazon and Home Depot. Nora Colomer, a personal finance writer for Fox Business’ Strategic Initiatives team, provides valuable information on how to protect your plants and garden throughout the fall and winter seasons. By following these tips and using the recommended products, you can ensure a healthy and thriving lawn and garden bed come springtime. Remember to visit www.foxnews.com/category/deals for more deals and discounts on essential gardening products.
