With any luck — and probably a whole lot of work — your garden has been a source of joy and deliciousness all summer. And as the season winds down, there's a bit more left to do other than thank it for its service and walk away.
Gardens need some winter prepping. This helps reduce and eliminate the chance for pests to grow and also tidies things up for when you come back to it in the spring.
Some tips for late-season garden cleanup include:
* Cut back any perennials, pull up spent annuals, and remove weeds and leaves.
* Add a layer of mulch. For cold-weather areas, wait until after the first frost for this step.
* Apply an insecticide, which will get to the roots and help protect the plant in the early spring, when those pests start showing up again but before we've typically started working in the garden.
* Save seeds. Gather the seeds, put in labeled envelopes, and store in a cool, dry spot.
* Rake the soil to help next year's new soil come up.
* Clean and organize your garden tools and supplies (and hit the late-season sales if you need to replace anything!)
