The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1480126
E-2 Fall Home Improvement Wednesday, September 28, 2022 The Press-Dispatch Individuals who don't live near the equator or in anoth- er warm climate know that winter will rear its chilly head this year. Cold temperatures and snowy conditions may be excellent for skiing and sled- ding, but gardeners recog- nize these conditions are not ideal for their plants. The inevitable slowing of activity in the garden during fall marks a time to shift at- tention from constant plant care to preparing the land- scape for next season. It may be tempting to simply let Mother Nature take over, but a little pre-winter TLC can en- sure gardens make it through winter unscathed. REMOVE SPENT PLANTS Decomposing organic ma- terial is the basis for compost and other fertilizers. How- ever, vegetable plants that are left to sit can lead to de- cay in the garden. Decaying plants can serve as hosts for pest populations and diseas- es. Rotting vegetables also can drop unwanted seeds in- to the soil, which eventually can strip nutrients that nor- mally would go to next year's crops. Ornamental plants and pe- rennials can be cut back in fall. Cut down stalks and re- move leaves. COVER CROP The gardening resource This Is My Garden recom- mends planting a cover crop to set the stage for a success- ful spring. A cover crop pro- tects the soil and can return nutrients to it. When the soil is bare during winter, weed seeds can easily blow in and lie in wait , ultimately becom- ing a problem during the en- suing year. Cover crops can include clover or field peas, which will increase the levels of available nitrogen. AMEND THE SOIL Fall is a perfect time to add soil amendments, such as ma- nure and compost. These fer- tilizers will add nutrients and break down gradually, enrich- ing the soil over the winter. REPLENISH MULCH Gardeners may have added mulch around shrubs and oth- er areas of the landscape early in the season because it is at- tractive. But mulch also does much to reduce water loss and protect the soil from erosion. It may inhibit weed growth as well. Replacing mulch when the mercury drops can insu- late the soil, which helps to regulate soil temperature. A thick layer of mulch around root vegetables left in the garden can offer protection against hard frosts. DIVIDE BULBS Divide plant bulbs and plant them where you want flowers like daffodils and tu- lips to grow in the spring. PRUNE DORMANT PLANTS Wait until plants are dor- mant to prune them and ad- just their shape. Most shrubs and trees should be pruned in late winter, before new growth. MOVE POTTED PLANTS Bring delicate plants into a sheltered area, such as a greenhouse or indoor garage, so they can continue to thrive during the winter. Fall and winter still provide opportunities to spend time in the garden. At this point in the year, gardeners can pre- pare landscapes for the next season. Prepare your garden for winter's onslaught WE WILL BUY • Iron & Sheet Iron • All Types of Metals • Copper & Brass • Copper Radiators • Insulated Copper • Die Cast • Carbide • Lead • All Types of Aluminum • Aluminum Cans • Aluminum/Copper Radiators • Stainless Steel • Batteries ACCEPTING AT NO CHARGE • Household Plastics Type #1 and #2 • Cardboard • S.O.P. • Newspaper Everything has its place... Help the Environment! 610 CLAY STREET • JASPER • 812-482-2919 Call for prices or visit our website www.jaspersalvage.net Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Saturday 8 a.m. - noon SALVAGE & RECYCLING Remodeling? We have ROLL-OFF CONTAINERS available for all types of metal. We deliver and pick up at no cost to our customers. We pay you for the metal in the containers.