Before you make your next move in the garden, you need to know about fall landscaping myths that could ruin it! The truth could save both your plants and your time (believe me, I’ve been there).
Believing that fall was too late to plant perennials left me with bare flowerbeds for months. But that wasn’t the only myth I fell for – I made several mistakes along the way. Fixing those errors took me an eternity, but it was a lesson that will save me time every fall from now on.
Now, I’m going to share with you eight fall landscaping myths you should never believe! Once you know the truth, your garden will thank you for it each year.
#1 Never Skip The Rake, No Matter What Others Say
Don’t let the myth that “it’s too late to rake” fool you. Taking the time to clear your lawn of fallen leaves before winter can save you from a lot of extra work in the spring.
Another benefit of raking leaves in the fall is that your grass will breathe easier and stay healthier throughout the colder months!
The first year I ignored the leaves, I learned the hard way. By the time spring rolled around, I noticed patches of dead grass where the leaves had sat all winter.
The moisture trapped under them caused mold and rot, and my lawn took much longer to recover than I expected. Since then, I always rake the leaves off.
Raking leaves from your garden may seem like a small effort, but it will make a huge difference when spring arrives!
#2 Planting Doesn’t End In Fall
Who said you’re done planting in the fall? Here’s some good news: you can still plant a few bulbs before the ground freezes! I hope you didn’t pack up your gardening tools just yet because you’re about to use them.
The cooler temperatures and moist soil create the perfect conditions for root growth. Whether you decide to plant bulbs, shrubs, or trees, planting now ensures they’re ready to thrive in the spring. Trust me, you’ll be amazed by the results when the sun lights up your garden.
#3 Trimming Leads To A Terrible Mistake
I made the mistake of trimming my trees and shrubs too much in the fall, and guess what? All of my beautiful trees and shrubs were affected by the freezing temperatures. It took me all winter to fix them, and let me tell you, it’s not an easy job!
Unfortunately, fall pruning can easily expose your plants to cold damage and diseases, which can lead to disaster! Imagine having to deal with annoying pests when spring comes instead of enjoying the view of your stunning flowers, trees, and shrubs!
Your plants need their leaves to survive the upcoming winter. That’s why you should store your gardening shears in the garage and make sure you don’t use them!
#4 Your Plants Still Need A Good Amount Of Fertilizer
Your plants aren’t quite done yet, and they still need a good amount of nutrients before the cold hits. A little fertilizer helps them hold up against the chilly temperatures.
It’s never too late to feed your plants, and this will help them grow even better next year. The cool weather doesn’t mean they stop needing food.
So, choose the best fertilizer for the plant you’re growing, and you’ll see that when they come back next spring, they will be adorned with stunning blooms and healthier growth!
#5 Water Now And Your Plants Will Bloom Better Later
It might seem like your plants don’t need water as much as the weather cools, but they still do! If you water your plants now, it helps them stay healthy and strong, even through the winter. Don’t worry they will not freeze!
Watering them encourages their roots to grow deeper, making for stronger plants next spring.
You’ll be surprised at how much better your garden blooms with a little extra care.
#6 Mulch Is A Must In Fall
If you’re not mulching your plants this fall, you’re missing out! Did you know that just one layer of mulch can keep your plants safe throughout the winter? Mulch works just like a cozy blanket for your plants, which means the soil won’t freeze!
You can use pine needles, grass clippings, shredded leaves, or tree bark as mulch. This way, you’ll be able to protect your plants and ensure their comeback when spring arrives! Isn’t that amazing?
#7 Get Rid Of Weeds Now, Before They Take Over
There’s nothing worse than annoying weeds, right? They sneak in and establish roots, making it harder to get rid of them later. If you’ve never dealt with weeds before, removing them is one of the hardest jobs you can do!
Removing weeds before winter prevents them from growing back stronger in spring! It will also keep your garden looking clean and tidy throughout the colder months.
With that said, grab your gardening tools and start pulling weeds right now (there’s not much time left)!
#8 Rototilling Keeps Your Soil Healthy!
There’s one thing that will definitely keep your soil in good shape – rototilling! I used to think it was just something to do in the spring, but after seeing the benefits of tilling in the fall, I learned that it’s the step that can’t be missed.
Rototilling helps break up compacted areas and creates the perfect environment for plants to thrive when they wake up in the spring.
You’ll notice a big difference after I rototilled this fall. Your soil will be looser, richer, and easier for roots to penetrate. It also helps with water retention, allowing your plants to grow stronger and more vibrant. It’s a simple, worthwhile step that really gives your garden a boost!
Now that you know the truth about these fall landscaping myths, it’s time to take action! Stick with the tips I’ve shared today, and you’ll see the difference in your garden next season.
Everything you’ve learned today is important for maintaining your garden and keeping it safe through the winter! Good luck, and have fun working in your garden!