Garden Work in the Fall Means Success in the Spring

Although it may seem that the end of summer and the beginning of fall signals the demise of your garden, it is anything but. Starting in the fall can prolong your plant's lives and prepare for the following spring. By following the tips given here, you can go a long way in not only preserving the vitality of your garden but also preparing it for winter.

1. In general, plants need less water in September. Due to decreased temperatures and shorter days, plants are not as exposed and vulnerable as they were in high summer. However, if there hasn't been much rain or if it is unusually hot for this time of year continue to water your plants to keep them healthy.

2. Many fruits, primarily tomatoes, will most likely have to be taken inside to finish ripening. After you transfer them inside, make sure they get plenty of light and water until they are ready to be eaten.

3. While pests are always a danger and need to be considered, September is generally a month when their numbers start to dwindle. Items such as beetle traps are no longer needed and can be removed until next year.

4. September is the month when you start to bring some of your less hardy houseplants indoors. When doing this, you may want to stop at your local nursery first and buy a spray that helps prevent ants and other insects from coming inside with the plant.

5. Early morning frost is something all gardeners fear. If you desire to extend the life of your garden, protecting your plants from frost is essential. For smaller plants, a commonly used technique is to take a two liter soda bottle with the top cut of and place them over plants a night. This, coupled with holes in the bottle for ventilation, will help protect your plants from frost. For larger plants, a large clean trashcan will garner the same results.

6. While many flowers do not thrive in the fall months, one species that does is mums. They are available in a variety of colors, and if planted in September, will add life to your garden till the latter days of fall.

7. It may seem early, but fall is the perfect time to start planning for next springs gardening. By analyzing what has worked or not worked in the past season you can better prepare yourself for what you will do next year. Take notes and set them aside so that when the next planting season comes along, you do not make the same mistakes.

8. Bulbs should be planted now. Although the winter will slow their growth, planting them in the fall allows them to establish a good root growth, and will help insure their success in the coming spring.

9. Order your seeds for the next season now. By having them ready, you will never have to plant late or delay the blossoming of your garden.