gardenlife WITH LISA GAWRELUCK
As the crisp air of autumn settles in and the days grow shorter, it’s time to put your gardens to bed. With our early frosts and long winters, proper fall cleanup and preparation are essential to protect your soil and ensure a healthy start come spring.
Start by removing spent annuals and vegetable plants, leaving healthy perennials and seed heads for birds and overwintering insects. Diseased plant material should be discarded, not composted, to prevent the spread of pests and disease.
Once your beds are cleared, add a layer of compost or manure to enrich the soil over winter. Topping with mulch such as straw, shredded leaves or bark helps insulate the ground, retain moisture and prevent erosion during freeze-thaw cycles.
Fall is also a great time to plant trees and shrubs. Cooler temperatures and more consistent moisture reduce transplant stress and encourage strong root growth before winter. Be sure to water deeply and mulch around the base to protect young roots from extreme cold.
Now is the time to plant garlic, ideally in mid to late October, about two to three weeks before the ground freezes. Choose hardy varieties suited to Alberta’s climate and cover them with mulch after planting.
If you grow perennials, consider dividing and replanting them by mid-September — hostas, daylilies, irises and coneflowers are great candidates.
Water trees and shrubs thoroughly in October before the ground freezes, especially evergreens, to prevent winter desiccation. Wrap young trees with tree guards to protect them from sunscald and animal damage.
Lastly, clean and store garden tools, hoses and pots. Drain rain barrels and disconnect water lines to prevent freezing damage.
With some thoughtful fall preparation, your garden will rest well and wake up ready to thrive.
Lisa Gawreluck is greenhouse manager at Blue Grass Garden Centre.
