6 Fall gardening chores

When cooler weather comes, we all want to go inside and sit by the proverbial fire… at the very least inside where it’s warm and cozy. 

But before we can really go inside and ENJOY our fall and winter, it’s time to clean up our outdoor areas.

6 important fall gardening chores 

Prune shrubs and trees: Fall is a great time to prune.  Plants are much like people. We feel so much better with a good haircut!  

Look for:

1. Overgrown: Too tall or wide for the area? Prune off approximately one-third of the canopy.
2. Crossing branches: Once the leaves have fallen it is easier to see branches that are crossing and rubbing on each other.  
3. Straight-ups: Cut off branches that are growing straight up.  

Cut back perennials: Why?

1. Simply looks better: Cleaning up the garden now means your outdoor spaces look great all winter long.    
2. Deter critters: Leaving debris from old leaves and blossoms in the garden serves to welcome critters.  
3. Makes Spring easier on YOU: And when spring does return, there’s no pressure on you to get out and clean up.

Protect from Deer: Deer- the ultimate muncher – those beautiful, destructive Deer!

Choices: 

1. Burlap: Burlap is a good choice but visually detracts from the winter snowscape.  
2. Deer netting: We prefer a black mesh deer wrap secured with zip ties. It is almost invisible. Make sure you secure the bottom. There’s nothing stronger than a hungry deer.  
3. Deer sprays: We recommend Deer-Out. Rain nor weather will wash it off. However, when the plant begins to grow, you need to re-apply. New growth is not protected.  

Rake/Blow the Leaves: Why bother with the leaves?  

1. Mice and other critters: Leaves remaining in the gardens for winter provides the perfect home for critters. Your plants may provide these small 4-legged munchers choice delectable meals for the winter.  
2. Insects: Leaves provide a place for insects to winter over so they can emerge in spring and summer causing problems.   
3. Cleanliness: It just looks so much neater!

Mulch: Mulch any plants that are not currently snuggled in with approximately 2 inches of BARK mulch. 

Mulch is important 

1. Weed Control: Enough said!  
2. Moisture retention: Mulch holds moisture in the ground during the hot dry periods of summer.  
3. Temperature fluctuations: Mulch helps control the freezing and thawing of the ground that often damages roots.  

Call Little York Plantation. Why?

1. Experts:  We’ve been preparing beds for winter for more than 50 Years. We know what to do!
2. Time: You may find there’s just not enough time to get your gardens ready for the winter.  We’ll get it done for you.  You can spend your time doing the things you like to do.  
3. Procrastination: “I’ll do it next weekend.” But when next weekend comes, it’s raining or worse yet… snowing!
4. Because it’s easy: We can help you get your outdoor areas looking their best going into winter AND looking like new when spring returns.  
5. Call: Give us a call… 315-960-3228 or 607-423-4417! Or stop in at 6088 NY-281, Little York.