Fall is here, and it’s time to start closing out summer gardens. What should you and your mom be doing to get her gardens ready for the winter? With some preparation now, her gardens will be ready for planting when spring arrives.
Pull Out All Weeds and Dying Plants
Start by pulling out any dying plants and weeds that remain after the cooler weather sets in. If there are any rotten fruits or vegetables, you’ll want to remove those, too. Move everything to a compost pile if your mom has one.
If not, start one for next year. Purchase a composting bin or build one with some chicken wire and wood framing. If she does compost her grass clippings and plants, someone needs to use a shovel to turn the soil for aeration each week.
You can also purchase composting bins that have handles you use to spin the barrel. That’s an excellent way to exercise the arms and not need to dig with a shovel.
Add Nutrients
Now is a good time to add nutrients for the winter. Use a test kit and check the soil. Add any nutrients or additives to balance the pH and nutrient levels. If her soil’s pH is low, she should add lime. If it’s too high, sulfur fixes the problem.
At this point, use a shovel and turn the soil while you mix in any required additives. Rake it smooth and cover things with landscaping fabric for the winter. If she’s going to grow any crops over the winter, such as garlic, asparagus, and rhubarb, plant those and leave space for them to come up in the spring.
Freeze Any Remaining Crops
While clearing her garden, you’ll also be picking the final crops of the year. At this point, she may be tired of tomatoes, zucchini, and other prolific crops. Blanch and freeze the extras to last through the winter.
If she still has a lot of tomatoes, make a quick pasta sauce by roasting tomatoes with basil, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and onions. When it’s cooked, puree the mixture and move it to freezer containers.
Consider Ways to Satisfy Her Hobby All Winter
Your mom may not be able to go outside to her gardens this winter, but she could grow things inside. Look into a small hydroponic garden for the winter. There are kits for smaller plants like peppers, herbs, and tomatoes.
As your mom has to spend more time inside due to the colder weather, make sure she’s not dealing with boredom. In home care offers companionship visits that help your mom stay active and engaged. Call an agency and learn more about companionship services from an in home care aide.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering In-Home Care in Greensboro NC please contact the caring staff at Affordable Family Care. Serving Raleigh, Greensboro, and the surrounding areas in North Carolina. Call today 919-676-1070.
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