Every garden season has its joys, as well as its potential pitfalls. The good news is that many garden and landscape problems are preventable. When fall arrives in Colorado, make sure you avoid the following common garden mistakes.
Forgetting to safeguard plants from wildlife. As temperatures drop, food sources for deer and other creatures dwindle. This can make your plants extra appetizing to hungry animals. Even if you’ve chosen deer-resistant plants, desperate wildlife might nevertheless find your greenery tempting.
You can prevent damage to your garden in several ways. Bring potted plants inside while you’re away and at night, and incorporate deer-proof fencing or repellents. If these steps don’t work or you need more information about preventing wildlife from eating your plants, you can always look to Lifescape Colorado for expert advice.
Pruning too early in the season. Pruning entices plants to create new growth which isn’t desirable when they’re about to go into dormancy. New growth is susceptible to damage from freezes, which can stress the entire plant. Wait to prune trees, bushes or other woody plants until sure signs of dormancy. This might include a change of autumnal foliage colors.
Underwatering. It’s easy to remember to water plants when days are warm. However, you shouldn’t cut down on watering in the fall. Cooler weather doesn’t mean plants, which haven’t gone dormant yet, need less water. Check soil moisture by touch rather than by sight, as looks can deceive, and maintain your normal watering schedule.
Applying the wrong fertilizer. While it’s a good idea to add compost and other organic soil amendments in the fall, you should avoid applying nitrogen-heavy fertilizers. Like pruning, nitrogen encourages new growth and this is not desirable when frost is imminent. In fall, stick with adding organic matter, such as compost, and removing decayed or diseased plant material.
At Lifescape Colorado, we provide year-round gardening and landscaping services. Contact us today to learn how we can help you maintain a beautiful outdoor space all year round.