Impeccable neatness in a yard, without a leaf in sight and with all the natural debris of nature shredded and sent out, does not necessarily indicate good husbandry. On the contrary, it is evidence that the owners have no conception of the natural processes by which land regenerates itself year after year without the need of expensive fertilizers. ~ Thalassa Cruso, The Gardening Year
If you haven't completed all the fall chores in the garden, don't worry. There's still time. Distilled and detailed below are four simple, but must-do tasks.
Your garden will look attractive all winter (but not too tidy) and will be very pleasurable to venture into next spring. Most importantly, though, the simple work completed this fall will actually improve the health your garden.
Task #1 If not recently done, take soil samples and send to the U for analysis. The test results will yield important information about texture, pH, nutrient levels and percentage of organic matter. Plus, you'll need results for Task #4. Go to: http://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/ or call 612-625-3101.
Task #2 Cut back annuals and vegetables and place on compost pile. Don't cut back perennial foliage and don't deadhead fall-blooming perennials which provide winter interest, help prevent erosion and provide natural insulation. Exceptions include peony foliage and any diseased or pest-infected plant parts which should be discarded.
Task #3 Shred fallen leaves with the mower and do one or all of the following: leave on the lawn, spread as mulch (See Task #4.), add to the compost pile. Don't bag your leaves and toss in the garbage which is a terrible waste of time and effort, as well as environmentally reprehensible.
Task #4 Over all beds, spread a 2-inch layer of organic mulch (compost, shredded leaves, well-rotted manure or a combination) and any materials suggested by soil sample results. The materials will decompose into wonderful, luscious soil–rich with organic matter and proper nutrients.
This also appeared in the Askov American, Askov, Minnesota.
