I’m not wishing the last few weeks of summer away, but I feel Fall right around the corner. Cool air in the mornings, better sleeping at night, and delightful campfires that feel appropriately toasty (I think gone are the days of stifling in the humidity–phew, campfires on 90-degree evenings are a bad idea).
As our garden transitions from summer berries and greens to hearty squash and other autumnal favorites, the yard and landscape are making a gradual shift towards Fall as well.
Take advantage of the remaining nice weather, and get a jump start on preparing your yard and gardens for the beautiful Fall season:
Cleaning leaves are the most daunting of all of the chores. We have woodsy acreage, so my dream is to own something like a Cyclone Rake to make cleanup easier and faster, but for now our gas-powered leaf blower makes the job a lot more efficient than spending long weekends raking the yard. Building a compost for the fallen leaves would be a great way to make use of the hundreds of pounds I’m scheduled to collect over the next few months.
Now that the temperatures and humidity are dropping, check for air leaks and reseal your windows (best done on a breezy day), and paint the window exterior. You’ll be a step ahead of the game when it comes to weatherproofing your home for the winter.
Make the most of these tips for lawn and landscape care:
- Lower the blades of your lawnmower gradually throughout October and take the grass down to 3/4-1″ in height
- Learn how to winterize your lawn with fertilizer and an aerator
- Plan for transplanting: divide perennials now because their growth is more dormant in the fall, and plant any new bulbs
- Fall gardening? There’s still time if you get started now. Seriously, go do it now.
- You still have a little time – make a note to mulch perennials after the first freeze. Just make sure you don’t cover the crown or center of the plant, because that can lead to rot.
It’s a good time to make repairs to your driveway and cement sidewalks. If you need to reseal your driveway, do it before the nighttime temps dip below 60-degrees. If your concrete steps are cracked, snow and ice can worsen them – take steps to repair and resurface concrete while the weather is still in your favor.
Looking to do something more creative with your pathways? Check out 9 creative driveway and pathway makeovers done on a budget.
Remember to check the gutters on your home too – be sure that they’re well attached, free of leaves, and in good condition by following these tips.
Let’s talk decor and general curb appeal. Remember to swap out your summery decor after Labor Day. Are you the cornstalk and pumpkins type? Favor burlap and leaf garland decor? How about making some DIY tombstones in anticipation of Halloween? If all else fails, settle for the most beautiful autumnal wreath of all time:
Getting a few of these items done this time of year will alleviate the pressure to do so when the temperatures really drop, and you’ll enjoy more excuse to do projects outside of the house. Get more ideas for your outdoors here, on DIYNetwork.com
Walang komento:
Mag-post ng isang Komento