4 Tips to Transition your Garden for Fall

Gardening is booming. For many Americans stuck at home during the coronavirus, their backyard, patio or even city balcony has become a green oasis. Not only is it a way to escape the indoors, gardening is known to reduce stress — crucial during these uncertain times. Bonus: A thoughtfully landscaped outdoor area can increase your home’s value through enhanced curb appeal.

If you’re a gardening novice, you’ll be happy to know that your newfound hobby doesn’t have to go dormant with the end of summer. Transitioning your garden from plants to vegetables can extend your growing season — and your precious time outdoors.

 

Clean Up

Remove any debris and pull out any weeds. This organic matter can also become a natural fertilizer until wintertime. If you already compost your kitchen food waste, you can continue to add that to help your vegetables grow.

 

Shop Smart

Hit the garden centers at the end of summer for late-season sales on vegetable starts. Look for Brassicas such as cabbage and broccoli. Lettuces, radish and some root crops are also good late summer plantings.

 

Count Down

Determine the average first frost date of your area and the number of days to harvest for your particular vegetable. Use that number to count back from the frost date and add two days — this is the date to plant.

 

Dig In

Build “tunnels” over plantings using garden row cover hoops to help sow seeds early and keep growing your vegetables once fall arrives.

 

Bundle Up

Use a sheet, blanket or tarp to protect your vegetables from frost. A layer of mulch can also protect bulbs and help soil retain water.

 

Spring Ahead

Spring-blooming bulbs such as irises or tulips need to be planted in the fall and require the winter cold dormancy period. With the right protection, your flowers will be ready to flourish by the end of winter.

If this is your first season transitioning your garden to fall and you’re not sure you’re following the right steps, check with the staff at your local garden center when you stock up on winterizing supplies.

 

 

 

%MCEPASTEBIN%%MCEPASTEBIN%


* Specific loan program availability and requirements may vary. Please get in touch with your mortgage advisor for more information.