Getting your garden ready for next spring
Sep 20, 2024, 7:00 AM
FILE (Canva)
(Canva)
SALT LAKE CITY — It’s time to put your garden to bed for winter. But before you do, here are some ways you can prepare your garden for a smooth start to the next spring season.
Most people tend to go out in their yard to start their preparations some time in mid-November. However, time always seems to run out before they can get to everything.
If you have the time, start getting things done early while the weather is still good, said KSL Greenhouse Host Taun Beddes.
One step you can take is cleaning out your garden after the harvest and then putting compost in to prepare that same spot for spring.
Fall is the best time to put down compost because it breaks down over the winter. If you do this in the fall, you won’t have to do it again in the spring.
“If it’s broken down, you could do maybe another inch in the spring, but you don’t want to overwhelm the soil because it will then cause nitrogen to be short,” Taun said. “It can actually stunt your garden plants if you mix in a lot of compost in May and then plant.”
What perennials should you cut back right now?
It’s still a bit early to cut back perennials, but there are some that are ready for it.
“If they have already gone dormant, so if they’re yellow and brown, you can cut them back. But if they still have green leaves, leave them alone until they’re hit by a killing frost,” Taun said.
The same concept applies for dividing perennials.
What should you do for younger trees and shrubs?
For trees and shrubs, it’s important to not prune them in the fall because they need to go dormant.
Taun said to skip the fertilizer as well because fertilizer will spur growth and delay that dormancy.
“And just make sure, especially if they’re new, that they are watered until we get regular rain and snow.”
Related:
- Planting a tree? Here’s what you need to know
- A guide to renovating your lawn after a long, hot summer
- Effectively removing weeds from your pavement
KSL Greenhouse is on every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and on our website.
