November / fall general clean up
November, or the fall season in general, is a great time to do a general clean-up of your garden and yard to prepare for the winter months. Here are some details to consider when doing a fall clean-up:
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Remove debris: Remove dead leaves, fallen branches, and other debris from your lawn and garden beds. This helps prevent disease and insect infestations and prepares the soil for winter.
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Prune shrubs and trees: Prune any dead or diseased branches from shrubs and trees. This helps promote healthy growth in the coming spring and prevents damage from heavy snow or ice.
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Cut back perennials: Cut back perennials to the ground after they have gone dormant. This helps prevent disease and prepares the plants for new growth in the spring.
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Clean garden beds: Remove any weeds or dead plant material from garden beds. Add a layer of compost or mulch to help protect the soil and improve its fertility.
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Clean and store garden tools: Clean and store garden tools for the winter. This helps prevent rust and damage from exposure to the elements.
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Prepare lawn: Mow the lawn one final time and remove any debris. Rake up leaves or use a mulching mower to shred them into small pieces and leave them on the lawn as natural fertilizer.
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Drain irrigation systems: If you have an irrigation system, drain it to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
By paying attention to these details, you can prepare your garden and yard for the winter months and ensure a healthy start to the next growing season.