Fall Gardening Tips

Preparing Your Garden for the Cooler Months

Clean up and Clear Out:

- Begin by removing spent annuals and any diseased or damaged plant material. This helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden. Also, trim pack perennials to around 2-3 inches above the soil level.

2. Amend the Soil:

- Fall is an ideal time to enrich your soil. Add compost or well-rotted manure to your garden beds and work it in. This improves soil structure, drainage, and nutrient availability for plants come spring.

3. Plant Spring-Blooming Bulbs:

- Now is the time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Dig holes to the recommended depth and space, place the bulbs, and cover with soil. These bulbs will provide a burst of color when the weather warms up. If you only have a vegetable garden, disregard this tip.

4. Mulch for Insulation:

-Apply a layer of mulch around plants to insulate the soil and help regulate temperatures during winter. This protects plant roots from extreme cold and prevents frost heaving.

5. Keep Watering:

- While plants may not need as much water as in summer, it's important to keep them hydrated until the ground freezes. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.

6. Protect Delicate Plants:

- If you have tender plants that aren't cold-hardy in your zone, consider providing them with protective coverings. You can use frost blankets, burlap, or even repurposed containers to shield them from harsh weather.

7. Divide and Transplant:

- If your perennials have become overcrowded, fall is a good time to divide and transplant them. This encourages healthier growth and allows you to propagate your favorite plants.

8. Plan for Spring:

- Take some time to plan and design your garden for the following spring. Research new plants, sketch out layouts, and make a list of improvements you'd like to make.

9. Harvest Late Crops:

- If you have fall vegetables like pumpkins, squash, and late-harvested greens, make sure to harvest them before the first frost to enjoy their fresh flavors.

By taking these steps to care for your garden in the fall, you're setting the foundation for a successful garden next spring!

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The Summer Go Bag: A Tiny Kit That Saves the Day Summer has a way of making “quick little outings” turn into full-blown adventures. A trip to the pool becomes dinner on the way home. A Saturday errand turns into a stop at the park. A lake day somehow requires 47 items, three snacks, and at least one person asking, “Did anyone bring sunscreen?” Enter: The Summer Go Bag . It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be perfectly organized. It’s just a small tote, backpack, bin, or canvas bag you keep stocked with the little things that make summer life easier. Think of it as your warm-weather backup plan. What to put in your Summer Go Bag: Sunscreen + bug spray Because nothing ruins a good day faster than realizing you needed both about two hours ago. Reusable water bottles Keep one or two empty bottles in the bag, or toss in a couple of bottles of water before you leave. A small first-aid kit Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever, allergy medicine, and any must-have family basics. Phone charger or power bank Especially helpful for road trips, long days out, or those “I swear my phone was at 42% five minutes ago” moments. Wet wipes + tissues For sticky hands, spilled drinks, mystery car messes, and every parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle who has learned the hard way. A lightweight towel or blanket Great for parks, wet seats, surprise splash pads, outdoor concerts, or impromptu picnics. A few snacks Granola bars, crackers, trail mix, fruit snacks — anything that can survive a little heat and prevent a hunger-related family incident. Plastic bags or a small trash bag For wet swimsuits, muddy shoes, snack wrappers, or anything you don’t want touching the rest of your car. Spare sunglasses or a hat Simple, useful, and always appreciated when someone forgets theirs. Pet basics, if applicable A leash, collapsible water bowl, waste bags, and a small towel can make pet-friendly outings much easier. Where to keep it: Your car is usually the easiest spot, especially if you’re often on the go. If your vehicle gets too hot, keep heat-sensitive items like sunscreen, medicine, and snacks inside the house and toss them in before you leave. You can also make a smaller version for: Pool bags Lake bags Sports practices Road trips Grandkid days Dog park visits The real trick: Restock when you get home The Go Bag only works if it’s ready when you need it. After a busy weekend, take two minutes to replace what you used: snacks, wipes, sunscreen, bandages, water bottles, or plastic bags. That tiny reset makes the next outing so much easier. Summer should feel a little more spontaneous — and a little less like you’re packing for an expedition every time you leave the house. A simple Go Bag won’t solve everything, but it might just save the day.