As fall arrives there is plenty to do to conserve the natural resources on your property, and to prepare your yard for winter. Here are a few actions you can take:
Provide Habitat
- Leave dead plants and stems in place. Bees and other insects overwinter in the hollow stems.
- Create brush piles for small mammals to find shelter.
- Pile leaves up under trees and in garden beds to provide a natural nutrient source for your plants, and critical habitat for overwintering insects.
- Leave a thin layer of leaves on your lawn.
- Alternatively, shred leaves with a mower.
- Add leaves to your compost pile.
- Follow neighborhood guidelines (either bag leaves or rake them to the curb).
- Plant native plants. Fall is a great time to do so! The natural freeze-thaw cycle in winter will help them get well-established.
Put Pumpkins to Good Use
- Compost your pumpkin! Cut into small chunks and compost in your own pile or take to a designated pumpkin drop-off facility, such as Price Farms Organics, Ltd., or Ohio Mulch. Check their websites for details.
- Leave it for wildlife. Cut-up pieces can be left for deer in wooded areas, or for raccoons, opossums, and other scavengers under your bird feeder.
- Harvest the seeds to eat or repeat the growing cycle next year!
Winterize Rain Barrels
- When freezing temperatures arrive, drain your rain barrel.
- Cap off the hole in your downspout.
- Remove plumbing.
- Flip upside down for the winter.
Information provided by the Delaware Soil and Water Conservation District.