For homeowners in Wilmington, NC, it’s time to start preparing your garden for the fall season. Proper fall preparation ensures your garden remains healthy and sets the stage for a successful spring.
Cleaning and Mulching
- Remove Dead Plants: Clear out dead or diseased plants to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering.
- Apply Mulch: A fresh layer of mulch helps insulate the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. Choose organic mulches like straw, wood chips, or compost for added soil health benefits.
Planting Fall Vegetables and Flowers
- Vegetables: Fall is the perfect time to plant cool-season crops such as kale, broccoli, and carrots. These vegetables thrive in cooler temperatures and can extend your harvest season.
- Flowers: Add color to your garden with fall-blooming flowers like mums, asters, and pansies. These flowers can withstand cooler temperatures and will brighten your garden through the fall.
Protecting Plants from Early Frost
- Row Covers: Use row covers or frost blankets to protect sensitive plants from early frost. These covers provide a few degrees of protection and can be easily removed during the day.
- Sheltered Areas: Move potted plants to sheltered areas or indoors to protect them from frost damage.
- Mulching: Mulch around the base of plants to provide additional insulation and protect roots from freezing temperatures.
By taking these steps to prepare your garden for fall, you can ensure a vibrant and productive garden well into the autumn months and set the stage for a healthy garden in the spring.
