The Milwaukee area has been blessed with some amazing weather this week. Warm days that turn into cool nights with just a hint of what’s to come. As we celebrate the turning of the seasons, many of us are looking to prepare our lawns and gardens for the cold months ahead.
Every month, gardening expert Melinda Myers shares her tips and tricks on how to make the most of your garden. As the weather begins to chill, she says you can begin to lay the groundwork for winterizing your garden.
“Watch the weather pattern, check the soil, and then give it a good soaking cause we want to put those plants in good shape going into winter. That’s really the start of winterizing your plants, is making sure they’re healthy,” she says. “If you haven’t mulched the soil, put down some shredded bark or woodchips around those trees and shrubs — or those maybe fall leaves that you collect with your mower, bag ‘em, and use them as mulch in the soil around your perennials.”
As your clean up begins, that doesn’t mean you have to stop planting. Myers says this is a great time to plant trees, shrubs or perennials as the ground is still warm enough for them to begin to grow roots. Spring sprouting bulbs are also a great investment now as they will peak through next year.
“Nothing like watching those daffodils, tulips and crocus peak through the ground in spring to let you know we’ve made it through another winter,” she says.
To learn more about fall care for your garden, Myers is hosting a webinar on Oct. 7 to discuss the topic further.
