Autumn projects for your lawn and garden

Instead of raking your leaves into bags this autumn, mow them with a mulching mower (a mower with a specially designed high deck). This chops the leaves into confetti, which acts as a natural fertiliser and weed control agent when left to decompose. Mulch can also help your garden in a variety of ways.

It may seem like an odd time to start thinking about next year’s flowers in the autumn, but most garden bulbs that bloom in the spring should be planted now.

If you’re new to gardening, here’s what you should know before starting a garden.

Don’t forget to check the gutters. During a downpour, a clogged roof gutter can send water down the side of your house and can not only wash out your landscaping, but saturate your home’s foundation.

Are your gutters a mess? Here’s how to clean them easily.

Feeding your lawn in the early autumn and then again six to eight weeks later helps your lawn rebuild grass roots that may have been damaged during a hot and dry summer. Learn how to fertilise your lawn.

If you’ve noticed patches of dead grass in your yard, address the issue now. Seeding can fix small problem areas. However, if your lawn has significant dead spots, sodding may be a better option.

Autumn is a great time to aerate your yard, which allows water, oxygen and fertiliser to more easily reach grass roots. This will help your lawn grow back thicker and fuller next year.

By planting more hardy plants (such as shrubs and bushes) in autumn, it helps the plant’s roots to get established before winter.

Learn how to prune trees and shrubs.

If you have a favourite perennial you feel needs a little protection from the harsh winter, try wrapping the plant in hessian cloth. Wrap the material around the plant a couple times, being careful to avoid breakage. Once the plant is covered, a loop or two of twine will hold everything in place.

Now is the time to tackle weeds. Apply a herbicide and the weeds should stay away once spring comes.

Follow these tips for a weed-free yard.

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Source: Family Handyman