GARDENING

Gerald Filipski

However , fall is a crucial season in the garden , offering opportunities to prepare for winter , plan for spring , and even extend the growing season .

Cleaning and Maintenance

First order of business : tidying up your garden beds . Remove any spent annuals , vegetables , fallen leaves , and debris to prevent diseases and pests from overwintering in your garden . Now is also the time to clean and sharpen your gardening tools before storing them for winter . Drain and store hoses and empty and clean bird baths and fountains to prevent damage from freezing .

Soil Preparation

As you clear beds , add a layer of compost or wellrotted manure . This will break down over winter , enriching your soil for spring planting . In Alberta ’ s often clay-heavy soils , adding organic matter helps improve drainage and soil structure .

Planting and Division

Contrary to popular belief , fall is an excellent time for planting . Trees and shrubs planted in autumn have time to establish their root systems before the stress of summer heat . Spring-flowering bulbs like tulips , daffodils , and crocuses should be planted in fall for a colourful display when the snow melts . This is also the ideal time to divide and transplant perennials . Plants like hostas , daylilies , and irises can be split and moved to new locations in the garden . Water them well after transplanting to help them establish before the ground freezes . For vegetable gardeners , consider planting garlic in the fall for harvest next summer . Carrots can be left in the unfrozen ground , as a light frost can help sweeten the carrots and improve their storage quality . According to the University of Saskatchewan , “ Mature carrots with tops intact can be left in the soil as long as the soil remains unfrozen ( −1 ° C or warmer ).”

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