Weekend garden chores
* Dig up tender bulbs for storage until next year
* As perennials quit blooming or die back, trim the dead foliage. You can compost the healthy trimmings.
* But some perennials, if left alone, look great as winter interest and/or provide winter food for wildlife.
* Clean away any and all diseased plants and dropped leaves. It will make next year's gardening that much easier.
* If you live in an area with cold winters but not much snow as protection, mulching in the fall will protect your plants.
* Vegetable gardens are best completely cleared up to prevent any disease or pest overwintering.
* Move your indoor plants back inside before even the first light frost.
* And, don't forget your gardening tools. A thorough cleaning and sharpening now will save valuable time next spring. That goes for your lawn mower, too.
Comments
Thank you for using the information from the NGB Newsletter. We hope that your readers look at the National Garden Bureau's Web site for more gardening information!
You bet! And sign up for the newsletter, too! -- Susan
Posted by: Diane | October 25, 2010 11:24 AM
What is the best way to clean gardening tools? Also, how to sharpen / where do I go to get them sharpened? (Clippers, garden knives, but what other tools need sharpening?)
I welcome anyone else's advice here, but I try to clean my garden tools with an old rag and some motor oil. Soap and water will cause rusting, I think. And I take my Felco pruners and my husband's lawnmower to Bowens Farm Market in Annapolis, where their shop does a great job of sharpening. Any other places out there readers? -- Susan
Posted by: Joanna | October 27, 2010 9:42 AM
Thank you - I will investigate Bowen's! Also, what about serrated blades, like saws, is it possible to get them sharpened? Anything special to clean them?
Don't really know enough about this to answer...anybody want to jump in? -- Susan
Posted by: Joanna | October 27, 2010 11:58 AM