I’m a pro gardener – you’re wasting time by chucking away fallen leaves, my tower trick helps your soil too
A GARDENER has revealed her tricks and tips for how to prepare a garden for winter through the fall.
She said people are wasting time by chucking away fallen leaves and her tower trick would help.
Sue Sanderson, a gardening expert, shared the advice in a blog post with her loyal readers.
The professional explained that autumn was the perfect time to make the most out of your garden while preparing for a gruesome winter.
Instead of sweeping away fallen leaves, Sue suggested a better way to put those leaves to use.
By piling the leaves on top of each other in a tower, you can create leaf mould: “Leaf mould adds structure and organic matter to your soil and is a great way to recycle fallen leaves,” she said.
“Choose a sheltered spot that won’t spoil the view of your garden and using wire mesh and wooden stakes, make a large bin. Fill with leaves, sprinkle with water, and leave.”
Once the leaves achieve a crumbly texture, you can sprinkle the mixture as a nutritious mulch.
Other advice the professional dished out to prepare for winter included scrubbing off shade paint to ensure clean greenhouses, performing an autumn clean, and tidying up borders.
The fall is also a great time to ensure lawn enforcement, she said.
“Improve drainage and aeration around paths and play areas by making deep holes with the prongs of a garden fork at 10 cm intervals,” she suggested.
“Autumn is a great time to lay new turf too, giving it plenty of time to establish before next summer.”
Last but not least, Sue recommended clearing out compost bins, planting winter-resistant evergreens, maintaining garden equipment, adding net ponds to keep out debris and grime, and lifting tender species.
“Do lift tender species like begonias, dahlias, and cannas before the first frosts threaten,” she said.
“Cut back the stems and gently lift the tubers/rhizomes from the ground. Clean the soil from them and store in trays of dry compost or sand, with just the top of crown visible.”