As summer winds down and fall approaches, it’s time to prepare your lawn and garden for the fall cooler months ahead. In Victoria, BC, the end of August and the beginning of September are ideal for setting the stage for a lush and healthy garden come spring. Here are some essential tips to guide you through this transitional period.
Lawn Care
- Aeration and Dethatching: Late August to early September is an excellent time to aerate your lawn. Aeration helps alleviate soil compaction, allowing water, nutrients, and air to reach the grassroots more effectively. You can rent an aerator from a local rental center or hire a professional service. Tuf-Turf offers several hand aeration and dethatching rakes for those who wish for a healthy workout.
- Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release, fertilizer around the end of August or early in September to strengthen your lawn before winter. This will help promote root growth and provide essential nutrients for the grass. Fall Fertilizer (available at Tuf-Turf) is specially designed to support root development over leaf growth, ensuring your lawn stays healthy through the winter.
- Overseeding: Overseeding your lawn with grass seeds, such as Tuf-Turf overseed lawn blend, can help fill in thin or bare patches. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall typical of Victoria in early fall provide an ideal environment for seed germination and establishment.
Garden Preparation
- Pruning: Early fall is the perfect time to prune certain shrubs and trees. Focus on removing dead or diseased branches and shaping plants as needed. Be cautious with spring-flowering shrubs like rhododendrons and azaleas, as pruning them too late can reduce next year’s blooms. For other shrubs, such as hydrangeas and roses, light pruning can help maintain their shape and encourage healthy growth.
- Dividing Perennials: If you have overcrowded perennials, such as hostas, daylilies, or irises, late fall is the time to divide them. Dig up the clumps, separate them into smaller sections, and replant them. This not only rejuvenates the plants but also gives you more plants to spread around your garden or share with friends.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your garden beds to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Organic mulches like compost, marine mulch, or screened bark are excellent choices. Some mulches also add organic matter to the soil as it decomposes, improving soil structure and fertility. Tuf-Turf’s selection of mulches can help protect your garden through the winter.
Watering
With the change in weather, it’s essential to adjust your watering schedule. In Victoria B.C., the rainfall usually increases in September, reducing the need for frequent watering. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow the foliage to dry during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. For more annual information see our several pages and posts on watering.
Note: This is a good time of year to also look at your landscape’s drainage. If you have areas that puddle or permitter drains that need repair, work on them now before the heavy rains come.
Handling Garden Waste
As you tidy up your garden, you’ll likely generate garden waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and pruned branches. Here are some eco-friendly ways to manage it:
- Composting: Composting is an excellent way to recycle garden waste. Create a compost pile or bin and add organic materials like leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps. Turn the pile regularly to speed up decomposition. By spring, you’ll have nutrient-rich compost to enrich your garden soil.
- Mulching Leaves: Instead of bagging fallen leaves, use a lawnmower with a mulching blade to chop them up. Spread the shredded leaves over your garden beds as mulch. This not only reduces waste but also improves soil health.
- Green Waste Collection: Check with your local municipality for green waste collection programs. Many areas offer curbside pickup for garden waste, which is then composted on a larger scale.
By following these tips you can ensure that your lawn and garden are well-prepared for the cooler months ahead, setting the stage for a vibrant and healthy spring lawn and garden