Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, making it an ideal time to prepare your garden for the upcoming fall season. With cooler weather on the horizon, it’s the perfect opportunity to assess your garden, make necessary adjustments, and start planning for the next growing season. Here’s a guide to what you can do in your garden on Labor Day.
Harvest and Preserve Summer Crops
By Labor Day, many summer vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and zucchini are at their peak. Take this time to harvest any ripe produce. If you have an abundance, consider preserving your harvest by canning, freezing, or drying your vegetables.
Plant Fall Crops
As summer crops wind down, Labor Day is an excellent time to plant cool-season vegetables. Consider planting leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce, as well as root vegetables such as carrots, radishes, and beets. These crops thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall and will provide a fresh harvest before the first frost.
Tidy Up
Clear out any spent plants that are no longer producing. Removing these plants helps prevent the spread of disease and pests. Compost healthy plant material to enrich your soil for next year, but be sure to discard any diseased or pest-infested plants to avoid contaminating your compost.
Mulch and Water
With the intense heat of summer behind, it’s important to conserve moisture and protect your soil as the weather cools. Apply a fresh layer of mulch around your plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Divide and Transplant Perennials
Labor Day is a good time to divide and transplant perennials that have become overcrowded or need rejuvenation. Dividing perennials promotes healthier growth and can even provide you with extra plants to expand your garden or share with friends.
Prepare the Soil for Next Year
Take advantage of the holiday weekend to prepare your garden beds for the next growing season. Add compost or organic matter to enrich the soil, and consider planting a cover crop like clover or rye to improve soil structure and fertility.
Plan for Spring Bulbs
If you want a colorful garden next spring, now is the time to start planning your bulb planting. Labor Day is a great time to select and order spring bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses.
