End of Season Garden Activities
As the weather starts to cool down, it is time to start thinking about getting your garden soil healthy. One of the most important steps is removing any remaining plants from your garden, as well as amending the soil before winter sets in.
In this blog post, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to remove your plants, as well as some tips on how to amend your soil. Let's get started!
Steps for Plant Removal in your Garden
Remove any dead or wilted plants in your garden to make room for new plants
Compost the dead plants or you can dispose of them in the trash
Remove and destroy any diseased plants from your garden to prevent the spread of disease to other plants
Once you have removed the dead and diseased plants from your garden, you will be ready to add soil amendments
Soil Amendment
Why amend your garden soil? The primary reason to amend your garden soil is to improve its fertility. Fertility refers to the ability of the soil to support plant growth. Soil can become depleted of nutrients over time, making it difficult for plants to thrive. Amending your soil with organic matter can help to replenish its nutrient levels and improve its fertility.
What is organic matter? Organic matter is any material that is derived from a living organism. This includes things like leaf mulching, grass clippings, and compost. Adding organic matter to your soil can help to improve its texture, drainage, and aeration. It can also help to increase its nutrient levels and water-holding capacity.
How do you add organic matter to your soil? There are a few different ways that you can add organic matter to your soil. One way is to simply add compost to the top of the soil and then till it in. You can also add other organic materials such as manure, leaves, or grass clippings. Another option is to plant cover crops, which are plants that are grown specifically for the purpose of adding organic matter to the soil.
What are some benefits of amending your garden soil? There are many benefits to amending your garden soil with organic matter. As mentioned above, it can help to improve the fertility of the soil, as well as its texture, drainage, and aeration. Adding organic matter to your soil can also help to increase its water-holding capacity, which is beneficial during periods of drought. Additionally, it can help to reduce compaction and erosion.
Now that you know how to remove your plants and amend your soil, it is time to get started on winterizing your garden. The steps we have outlined in this blog post will help you get your garden ready for the colder months ahead. Be sure to follow them closely, and you will be able to enjoy a bountiful harvest next year!
Looking for help to transition your garden? We offer Food Garden coaching services and can help get your garden in shape for the next season. Learn more here.
