Add Mulch There are myriad varieties of mulch, from compost to
have around. For example, send branches through a chipper or rely on grass clippings or hay. Just be sure the mulch is weed-free, or you could be planting a problem to deal with next year.
Stain or Paint Wood Fences and Raised Beds Wood is an inexpensive and accessible material for the garden. It’s also very environmentally friendly compared to synthetic materials. But, it takes abuse from the weather and will decay or rot if not protected. Before winter weather rolls in, replace any damaged boards along fence lines and garden beds. Prep your surface as necessary and then stain or paint the surfaces. For vegetable beds, look for all-natural stains and paints so you don’t have to worry about chemicals transferring to your food. newspaper to bark chips. Mulch helps hold moisture in the soil. This is important during the late summer heat but is also a huge aid for newly planted perennials and other plants. Mulch also adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down, essentially feeding the plants throughout the season. There’s no reason to spend a bunch of money on mulch. You can simply use what you
Prepare for Winter Water Runoff
make sure it’s effectively diverting to the street. If not, clear the line, or you’ll be asking for flooding problems when the precipitation hits. This is also the perfect time to set up your rain barrels if you don’t already have them. Simply create a flat, level base using a few paver stones on leveled ground. Purchase a diverter online or from a local home improvement store. Follow the directions that come with it, which typically involve cutting out a portion of the home’s downspout to install the diverter. Then, run the hose to the rain barrel and let the collection begin. If you already have a rain storage system, use any collected water in your yard and garden now since a new supply will be on its way soon.
Head outside while the weather is still above freezing to make sure rainwater is draining away from your home. This means following the natural path of water everywhere on your property. If you’ve seen a stream running down the driveway, now is the time to give it a new path. For areas that pool water, create drainage. Also make sure the water that runs off your roof is diverted away from the house so it doesn’t cause problems with the foundation and basement. If you have a sump pump, do your maintenance now to protect your lower level from flooding. Outside, follow the French drain from the backyard to the street. If you haven’t had rain in awhile, run water from a hose to
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