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Michelle In The Meadow

Michelle In The Meadow

Zone 9A Suburban Garden

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October Live From The Meadow Q&A

October 8, 2023 by Michelle Leave a Comment

It's time for Fall, Y'all. Let's gather and talk about prepping the garden for Fall and Winter. And anything else you'd like to discuss. If you're interested in any of the products we show on this channel, you can use the links below to find them and make a purchase.

How to Prepare Your Garden for Fall and Winter

Preparing your garden for fall and winter is crucial to ensure the vitality of your soil and the health of next year's plants. Here, we address common questions that might arise as you ready your garden for the seasons to come.

1. What Should I Put on My Garden in the Fall?

Fall is the perfect time to add organic matter to your garden. Applying mulch, such as shredded leaves, straw, or wood chips, helps protect plant roots from freezing temperatures and retains soil moisture. Additionally, consider adding compost to enrich the soil with nutrients. This step not only improves soil fertility and structure but also enhances its ability to retain water and support plant growth.

2. What is the Best Fertilizer for Gardens in Winter?

In winter, the goal shifts from promoting growth to maintaining soil health. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer (comprising equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) can be applied in late fall to support any plants that continue to grow and to replenish nutrients depleted during the growing season. However, be cautious with nitrogen-rich fertilizers late in the season, as they can promote new growth that may be vulnerable to winter damage.

3. What is the Best Winter Cover Crop?

Cover crops, such as rye, clover, and vetch, are planted in the fall and provide numerous benefits through the winter. They prevent soil erosion, improve soil structure, enhance nutrient content, and suppress weeds. Rye is particularly effective due to its hardiness and deep roots, which help break up heavy soils and improve aeration.

4. How Do You Prepare a Raised Bed for a New Season?

Preparing raised beds for a new season involves several key steps:

  • Clear Out Debris: Remove any plant debris, weeds, or dead plants to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
  • Amend the Soil: Add fresh compost or manure to replenish nutrients. This step is crucial because raised beds can deplete nutrients faster than in-ground gardens.
  • Adjust Soil Structure: If necessary, mix in new soil or organic matter to improve drainage and aeration, especially if the soil has become compacted.
  • Mulch: After planting, apply a layer of mulch to help maintain soil moisture and temperature, as well as to suppress weed growth.

By following these steps, you not only protect your garden during the harsher months but also set the stage for robust growth in the spring. Remember, the effort you put into your garden now will pay off with a healthy, flourishing garden when the warmer weather returns.

Disclaimer & Support for Michelle in the Meadow

If you're interested in any of the products we show on this channel, you can use the links below to find them and make a purchase.

These links are affiliate links, which means I'll earn a small commission when you make a purchase. These commissions add up and help support this channel and my family.

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About Michelle In The Meadow

I'm growing on a 1/4 acre suburban lot. I started gardening here 4 years ago and am glad you are here. We have more than 80 individual fruit trees and shrubs and more than a dozen different kinds of annuals growing on this property. The slopes make for some interesting ways to garden, but we're trying to make the best of it. On the first Sunday evening of each month (7PM Eastern), I go live on YouTube sharing updates and answering your questions. If you enjoyed this video, please give it a thumbs up and consider subscribing to follow along on all the happenings in my Northeast Florida Zone 9A Garden. Until next time, my friends, remember to drink plenty of water, wear high-quality sunscreen, and have a fantastic day.

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