Preparing for the Season Ahead: Takeaways from Our Fall Workshop
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our Fall Buy One Get One Free Event and Workshop! It was wonderful to dive into the best ways to prepare our lawns and gardens for the months ahead. Don’t worry if you missed this one; more workshops and community events are on the way!
October is a time of transition. As the air cools and the days shorten, it’s the perfect time to give your outdoor spaces the care they need before winter sets in. During the workshop, our very own Rick, Horticultural Guru, shared practical advice for making sure your garden and turf are set up for success. Rick also reminded us to look deeper, starting with the very foundation of our landscapes: the soil. Here’s how you can apply his wisdom to your own yard this season:
1. Build Better Soil
Why it matters: Our region’s soils are naturally barren, low in organic matter, and short on nutrients. Without help, plants simply can’t thrive.
Fall action step: Add compost, mulch, or soil conditioners now to improve structure and fertility before winter sets in. If you’re overseeding your lawn, make sure the soil is loosened and enriched for strong root growth.
2. Fine-Tune Hydration
Why it matters: Even in cooler months, plants need the right balance of water. Many irrigation systems are inefficient, and over- or under-watering is one of the biggest reasons landscapes fail.
Fall action step: Check your irrigation system for leaks, clogs, or poor coverage. Adjust watering schedules as temperatures drop and rainfall increases. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow stronger before frost arrives.
3. Choose the Right Plants
Why it matters: Plants that struggle in our soils or climate won’t perform, no matter how much love you give them.
Fall action step: If you’re adding to your garden this fall, select species adapted to local soil and weather conditions. Native plants, hardy shrubs, and perennials are smart investments now that will pay off with resilience year after year.
4. Seasonal Essentials from the Workshop
Alongside the big three fundamentals, Rick also shared practical tips you can put into practice this month:
Fertilize your lawn with a slow-release fall feed to build root strength.
Rake or mulch fallen leaves to prevent turf suffocation and return nutrients to the soil.
Add mulch around trees and perennials to insulate roots through winter.
Plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils now for a burst of early color.
Bring tender potted plants indoors before the first hard frost
The steps you take this fall, whether fertilizing your lawn, mulching your beds, or planting bulbs, will pay off in a stronger, healthier, and more beautiful outdoor space when spring returns.
Whether you’re working on your turf with Dayton Valley Turf or planning your planting with Bonsai Blue, now is the time to prepare for the season ahead.