The Big Garden Clean Up: Fall or Spring?

There is a debate in the gardening community. I vote for fall garden clean ups. Here’s why.

• Rake all leaves off lawns. Leaves left behind will cause the grass to rot underneath.

• Do you have trees that drop seeds such as Maple, Oak or Chestnut? Rake them up to prevent numerous seedlings from sprouting in spring. Cutting off the dead flowers from shrubs such as Hydrangeas will protect your plants if there is a snow fall.

• For small Japanese maples, stripping the leaves off helps snow fall right through the branch structure.

• Fruit Trees: apply lime to the base of trees in fall, allowing the chemical process to take place throughout winter. Dolomitic lime takes 6 months to change soil pH. By spring, your tree will be primed to produce.

• Plant new shrubs and perennials – fall is ideal for root growth.

• Add winter colour with pansies, cyclamen, and kale.

• Plant spring bulbs in a sunny, well-drained spot. You can’t do this in spring!

Another Trend to Debate – Leave the Leaves?

Do you leave fallen leaves on garden beds or rake them off and top beds with composted mulch? If you would like to incorporate leaves into your garden beds, it is important to shred the leaves first, compost them in a pile and apply to your garden in one year’s time. Leaves that are left to decompose will tie up nitrogen in the process of breaking down. Because of our high rainfall, leaves left on the ground tend to rot and grow harmful moulds. It can take several years for leaves to fully decompose. We prefer to use aged, composted material on the garden beds so that nutrients are available right away once you apply the topdressing.

Jessica Salvador is co-owner of Higher Ground Gardens, celebrating over 10 years of service in Dunbar. Higher Ground Gardens is goingelectric, using battery-powered hedge trimming equipment providing a quiet and environmentally friendly service.

Call now for your free estimate 778-323-1502 “The Garden Pro’s to Call from Spring through Fall”

www.HigherGroundGardens.com