GARDENING
Time to Tidy: Fall Garden Cleanup Tips
Gerald Filipski
As the vibrant colours of summer fade and Alberta’ s crisp autumn air settles in, it’ s time for gardeners to turn their attention from growing to cleaning.
Fall garden cleanup isn’ t just about tidying the yard for winter; it’ s essential for keeping your plants, soil, and garden ecosystem healthy for the next growing season. Here are some practical and environmentally friendly tips for Alberta gardeners as they prepare their spaces for winter.
In Alberta’ s short but intense growing season, gardens work hard. Perennials push out vibrant blooms, vegetable beds produce abundant harvests, and lawns flourish. But as temperatures drop, plant material dies back and leaves debris that can harm your garden. That said, not every fallen leaf needs to be whisked away, and some debris can be helpful.
Fall cleanup helps
Vegetable Beds
Cool nights and warm spells create conditions where fungal diseases thrive. Remove any dead or dying vegetable plants, especially those affected by blights, mildew, or insect infestations. Tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, and squash are particularly prone to diseases. Do not compost diseased plant material; dispose of it through municipal waste services.
Remove annual herbs, vegetables, and fallen fruit to avoid attracting rodents and insects. Once the beds are cleared, spread a layer of compost or shredded leaves to nourish the soil over winter.
• reduce overwintering pests and diseases
• improve soil health
• protect perennials and shrubs from harsh winter winds and snow
• make spring gardening easier and faster
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