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As the vibrant colors of summer fade away, it's time to prepare your cut flower hobby garden and farm for the upcoming winter season. Fall cleanup is an essential task that ensures a healthy and productive garden next year. In this blog, we will guide you through the necessary steps to take on a less than an acre farm in Minnesota. From pulling landscape fabric and drip lines to digging and labeling dahlias, and planting tulips, we'll cover it all.
Fall cleanup involves removing spent plants, weeds, and debris from your garden beds. Start by cutting back any dead or dying foliage, removing weeds, and clearing away fallen leaves. This helps prevent the spread of diseases and pests during the winter months.
If you've used landscape fabric and drip lines in your garden, fall is the perfect time to remove them. Carefully pull up the landscape fabric, making sure to remove any weeds or debris that may have accumulated on top. Clean and store the fabric properly, so it's ready to unroll next year. Similarly, remove and store drip lines to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
Before storing your gardening tools for the winter, it's important to sharpen and clean them. Dull tools can make pruning and cutting tasks more difficult. Use a sharpening stone or file to sharpen your scissors, shears, and other cutting tools. Clean them thoroughly and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rusting.
When folding up landscape fabric, it's crucial to do it properly to avoid tangling and damage. Start by removing any dirt or debris from the fabric. Fold it neatly, making sure to keep the edges aligned. Store the folded fabric in a dry and protected area, away from direct sunlight.
Dahlias are a popular choice for cut flower gardens, but they require special attention during fall cleanup. Once the foliage has died back after the first frost, carefully dig up the dahlia tubers using a garden fork or shovel. Gently remove excess soil and label each tuber with the variety name. Store the tubers in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or garage, until spring.
Fall is the ideal time to plant tulip bulbs for a beautiful display in the following spring. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is two to three times the depth of the bulb and place it in the hole with the pointed end facing up. Cover the bulb with soil and water thoroughly. Mulch the area to protect the bulbs from extreme temperatures.
Fall cleanup is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy and productive cut flower hobby garden and farm. By following these tasks, including fall cleanup, pulling landscape fabric and drip lines, sharpening scissors and tools, properly folding up fabric, digging and labeling dahlias, and planting tulips, you'll ensure a successful growing season next year. Embrace the beauty of autumn and prepare your garden for a well-deserved rest during the winter months. Happy gardening!
