It was a wonderful summer and it looks like it is going to be a beautiful autumn. I love the autumn; October has always been my favorite month. It’s a great time to get out and enjoy nature but it’s also the time to get your home ready for winter (my least favorite season).
The Canadian climate is hard on our houses. It Ontario we have a temperature variance of about 50 degrees (-15C to +35C). Proper maintenance of your home and garden will help preserve your investment. Best of all, keeping your house in tip-top shape this fall will prevent any unnecessary chores in the spring.
Outdoor Projects
– Complete exterior painting before cooler weather arrives
– Check and repair exterior lighting before daylight fades
– Store lawn ornaments and patio furniture in a shed or basement. If space is limited, weather-resistant covers can protect outdoor furnishings
– Cover air conditioner and barbecue to prevent winter damage
– Close your pool before leaves start to fall, and nighttime temperatures begin to drop. Sooner than that and you risk an algae bloom
– Store kids toys indoors or in an outdoor shed to prevent rusting and fading
Lawn & Garden
– Till and prepare planting beds when the soil is relatively dry. By adding soil and mulch to your beds, you’ll be a step ahead for spring planting
– Plant spring blooming bulbs and perennials
– Protect roses, saplings and small trees by sheltering them with a burlap screen
– Pull weeds to reduce the number of seedlings next spring
– Mow grass short for the final cut of the year by reducing the cutting height gradually to 3.5 cm (from 7.4 cm) until the grass stops growing
Indoor Preparation
– Bring container plants indoors, making sure they are free of pests. Doing so may enable plants to survive the season and bloom again in spring
– Check and clean your humidifier. Empty the tank, dry the inside surfaces and refill with clean water. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions
