(NC)-Begin by cleaning up your garden: remove debris, diseased foliage and weeds. Prune and shape trees and shrubs. Cut off all dead wood and foliage.
Now is the time to think about new perennials, shrubs and
trees. They will benefit from fall planting because it gives
them time to anchor and establish new roots. Using a high
phosphate fertilizer also promotes root growth. Fall is the
perfect time to divide, reorganize and transplant plants. You
can find information and advice about the right fertilizer for
your plantings from Scotts Canada at
www.scottscanada.ca
.
Be sure to add a two-to-three inch layer of mulch to new
plants. Rake leaves onto flowerbeds and around shrubs and
bushes to create a warm blanket that protects plants against
severe cold or add a protective layer of mulch. Scotts
NatureScapes is a product that degrades into beneficial organic
matter.
Eliminate potential winter homes for garden pests by ensuring
sheds, porches and sheltered alcoves are closed tight and
cleared of items that will encourage nesting.
Take the time now to ensure gardening tools are in perfect
condition to avoid wasting time getting started next
spring.
- If you spread fertilizer or seeds with a spreader, remember
that you should never leave product in the bin. Pour leftover
material back into the package and seal the package tightly.
When it's time to put away the spreader until spring, wash
thoroughly to remove all material clinging to the spreader. Hot
water may be required at times to remove stubborn residue.
Allow the spreader to dry thoroughly in the sun. Next,
lubricate the axle bushings with light oil.
Finally, store your spreader in a clean, dry location.
- Remove your new Scotts Miracle-Gro LiquaFeed or Garden
Feeder from your garden hose. Drain the water from all hoses;
then coil and hang them so they won't sag and kink. Hang them
from hose hangers, available in hardware stores.
- Clean all tools, from shears to shovels. Use a wire
brush to remove any caked-on dirt or vegetation. Lubricate all
pivot points and springs and then spray all bare metal parts
and cutting edges with penetrating oil to prevent rust.
- Check all hand tools for loose screws or nuts and
tighten where necessary. Check for any broken or bent parts and
replace or repair them.
- Wipe all wooden handles down with boiled linseed oil,
warmed in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes.
- Sharpen all cutting edges, then wipe down the blades
with an oily rag or spray with penetrating oil.
Finally, anticipate spring with new bulb plantings. Plant bulbs
in groups of three or five about two-and-a-half times deeper
than the size of the bulb, pointy end up. While bulbs come with
their own food, you can encourage deep roots by lining the
bulb's new home with Scotts Bulb Food and then adding a layer
of soil, followed by the bulb itself.
