Share "Top 10 Things To Do "
A little work and cleanup now will make your life a lot easier next spring. So here's our list of what to do now:
- As the nights grow colder, throw sheets of plastic over your tomatoes and peppers and other frost vulnerable crops. Leave carrots and beets in the ground since a little hardy weather won't hurt them.
- Toss dying plants in the compost. To prevent the spread of bacteria throw diseased plants in the trash. Next year's crop will thank you for it later.
- Now is a good time to also sacrifice struggling annuals to the compost pile, but before tossing perennials wait until a cold frost blackens the leaves.
- Rake and shred leaves for mulch. When you're done using your mower give it a good rest and be sure to empty out it's gas and oil and clean off the blade.
- Prune diseased and dead branches from trees and shrubs. Inspect branches near power lines and pester the electric company to remove those that are too close...don't try it yourself! Also, trim branches that are in danger of landing on your roof from heavy snow or ice.
- Store your garden hose, shut off water and drain valves and pipes in order to prevent damage from freezing weather. Also store watering cans and birdbaths. And, so water won't collect inside and freeze, turn over any outdoor pots and containers.
- Clean and store outdoor lawn and patio furniture, gardening tools and barbecue equipment. Store your bikes too. Remember, your bike tires will last a lot longer if you let the air out when you store them.
- As if raking isn't enough... sweep your driveway and then check for hairline cracks. Repair them now to prevent the cold from turning them into monstrous valleys. Use putty, found at your nearby hardware store, that's designed to fill cracks up to a half-inch deep--otherwise use asphalt or concrete.
- Do any outside painting or staining that needs to be done. This is a good time to scrub, paint and waterproof the deck. Make sure there aren't any major jobs best left to the pros. If so, call now to schedule since this is their busy season. Otherwise you might have to wait until spring.
- Fall is a time to think ahead and to make changes in your garden. Transplant trees and bushes so the roots will mature over the winter months. Plant bulbs and cover roses.
