7 Gardening Tips and Tricks for the End of Summer

Posted by Rayanne on August 20th, 2021

The days are shortening, and the leaves are changing colors. This means it’s time for gardeners to think about fall gardening! The end of summer is a great time for gardeners because they can go back through their gardens, clean up dead plants and weeds, get ready for harvest season, and prepare themselves for winter. This blog post will give you 7 tips and tricks that will help you have a successful fall gardening experience!

1. Bird Feeders 

Early bird feeders have been filled with bird feed since February, but plenty of seeds are left on store shelves! Before it gets too cold, replenish those bird feeders or buy new ones if they’re empty. Birds need reserves so they can survive winter storms when food becomes scarce. Remember this year’s bird favorites by checking their tags before buying. Also, forget suet cakes, especially during snowy days. These high-calorie treats are the perfect fuel for bird’s bodies and should be added to the mix every week. On the other hand, be sure to track pests such as slugs, aphids, whiteflies, or caterpillars that can damage plants at the end of summer.

2. Plan Ahead

Though some flowers are hardier than others, it’s always best to get them in before they’re buried by snow. Flowers that bloom for a long time, like delphiniums, will last into winter. Thus, make sure you give them enough room so their roots don’t freeze when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Annuals won’t survive unless there is protection from freezing weather (like straw or mulch). But if you have perennials, those can take up space now without worry; they’ll continue doing well even after frosts hit and leaves fall off.

3. Consider Evergreens 

Planting evergreens around your garden is an excellent way of protecting against cold winters. Fast-growing varieties like Arborvitae are great. But if you’re not sure which type to get, then talk with a nursery owner for help.

4. Pruning Trees and Shrubs 

Pruning trees and shrubs can help them withstand winter better too! Wait until after the first frost or freeze to trim back any damaged branches - this will give their trunks time to heal before it’s too cold outside. Make cuts on an angle and make sure they go at least one inch deep below the damage. This prevents pests from setting up camp in your tree over winter. Also, be careful about planting new plants near existing ones because they could spread disease into other areas of your garden.

5. Clean Up Before Fall

If your garden has been looking bleak, then now’s the perfect time for fall cleanup! Rake up any leaves, weed out old plant life and dispose of spent flowers. It’s not too late to get a jump start on next year either. Remove any perennials with broken roots or plants that aren’t coming back stronger by themselves after spending all summer outside.

6. Plant Fall Crops Now

Planting fall crops is also a good idea to have some fresh produce during the colder months. Beets, cabbage, and carrots make excellent autumn planting choices because they’ll store well when it’s time for winter storage. If you want your garden to look like an oasis, then try adding cacti! They’re tough plants that can withstand low temperatures but still come back strong, so be sure not to over-water them. Water only once every few weeks or as needed. These desert dwellers are thirsty creatures after all and require little care other than just enough water to get by on.

7. Consider Mammal Proof Covers 

Finally, don’t forget that one of the best ways to protect your garden in winter has nothing to do with plants at all. Mammal proof covers work wonders and should be installed over bird feeders when the snow comes down. This will prevent those pesky rodents from getting inside and spoiling bird food during cold months. Also, fertilize all the remaining flowers for a last burst of color before they lose petals. Do this by spraying water mixed with fertilizer onto leaves every other day until there is no more color left. This should last them another week or two if you’re lucky.

Final Thought

No matter what you do during these next few months, you’ll be doing much good for your garden’s future. But I hope this article helped shed some light on how much you need to think about your plant’s well-being now more than ever with winter coming. They deserve at least one last happy moment before hibernation. Thus, please don’t forget about them until March, when everything wakes back.