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It's no secret that a vegetable garden can have a dramatic effect on your grocery bill.  A study by the nonprofit Gardening Association found the average family with a vegetable garden spends about $70 a year on it and grows an estimated $600 worth of vegetables!  So if you've invested in a garden over this past spring and summer there are a few fall clean up tips and preparations you can do now to be sure that you'll continue to yield a successful crop come next spring.  If you're thinking about changing locations or adding to your existing garden, now's the perfect time to get started.  Here are a few clean up tips for your fall garden: 


1. CLEAN UP THE GARDEN.   
Clear out any weeds, garden debris, spent vines and any fruits and vegetables that weren’t picked rather than allowing them to remain over the winter. This will prevent your plot from becoming a winter haven for weeds, insect pests, and their eggs that could overrun your garden once springtime comes.

2. REMOVE AND STORE GARDEN EQUIPMENT.   
Plant stakes, tomato cages, garden fabrics, trellises and other gardening tools that may have been left outside should all be removed and stored out of harsh elements. Taking good care of your tools and supplies helps keep replacement costs down.

3. ADD SOIL AMENDMENTS.   
Fall is a great time to add compost, manure, mushroom soil and leaves to the garden bed. Doing this now allows plenty of time for the amendments to decompose and mellow before it’s time to put sensitive seeds in the ground. If you’re not sure what your soil needs, you can buy a soil test kit at your local hardware store or home center to see what your garden could benefit from.
4. TILL YOUR GARDEN.   
You can use a rototiller to add soil amendments evenly into the ground making the job a whole lot easier. Some gardeners find it economical to purchase a rototiller, however many hardware stores and home center stores rent a number of different types. If you plan on renting a machine, be sure to call JULIE at 811 or click here and fill out an online locate request right now. That way you can get your garden area marked for underground utility lines before you make your appointment to pick up the rototiller. You may think, I already know where the utility lines are located, I’m not digging deep enough for marking, or this particular project is not in an area that needs marking.  Those are dangerous assumptions. Underneath what you may think is the perfect location to add to your current garden or to create a new one altogether, may be a bunch of different types of utility lines.  If any of those lines are hit while digging it can cause all sorts of damage and affect service to you or others and lead to costly repairs. All this can be avoided by contacting JULIE and having a professional locator from member facility owner companies come out and mark the approximate location of the utility lines on your property, for free, before you dig.  (JULIE personnel do not perform locating or marking services). 

5. PLANT LEAFY FALL GREENS.   
Now that you have a clean and inviting space why not take advantage of it and plant a few fall veggies? Leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, collards, mustard and spinach grow right into the winter months and will provide additional healthy, chemical free produce.

6.  PLANT A COVER CROP.   
If you want to take a break from gardening and aren’t interested in any fall vegetable production, plant a cover crop to enrich your garden’s soil over the winter months, as well as crowd out weed growth. Annual ryegrass is a good choice as well as winter wheat, oats, rapeseed and barley.

Your yard can also benefit from a fall clean up.  Here are a few tips to consider: 

7.  PLANT SPRING BULBS.     
Fall is the perfect time to plant spring flowering bulbs like daffodils and tulips.  However, pay attention to the weather in your area; planting too early can cause bulbs to sprout before winter, and planting them too late can mean their roots don't have enough time to develop before the ground freezes. 

8.  TUNE-UP YOUR TOOLS.     
When it comes time to put away the backyard tools for the season, don't just shove them into the garage or shed. Spend a few minutes wiping them down and removing debris and dirt, then apply a light layer of oil to keep them from rusting over the winter. That way they'll be all set to go again come spring.

9.  WEED.  YES.  WEED.  IT'S NOT THAT BAD.     
Weeding in the fall is probably the most valuable thing you can do to prepare for spring, and it's one that many people overlook. The good news: pulling weeds used to be a backbreaking chore, but today there are a variety of tools to make it easier and faster.

10.  AERATE.     
 Heavy use throughout the summer can cause soil to become compacted. Perforating your lawn with small holes helps reduce compaction and lets water, air and fertilizer get down to the soil, which strengthens the grass plant's root structure. For smaller yards, a manual aerating tool that removes plugs from the turf while you step should be just fine. If you've got a larger yard, consider renting a power aerator.

It may feel like a bit of extra work now, but if you follow these tips and prepare you yard and garden for the winter months, once springtime arrives, it’ll all feel worthwhile.