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Our part of the country has been fortunate on the weather scene so far this fall. We have had many days with temperatures in the 60’s and sunshine. Fall cleanup has been easier than usual allowing us to spread out the getting ready for winter process. As the weather will be turning colder soon we have only a few things left to do regarding the garden but they are important.
If you use garden chemicals you will find that they have an expiration date on them. This date is important as the chemicals will not produce the desired results if they have expired. Not only will the efforts of applying them be wasted but the residual effect on the environment will most likely still be active. Always store garden chemicals in a dry, dark, non- freezing area completely away from children and pets.
When we choose to use chemicals we must do so understanding that these chemicals not only aide in controlling the issue they were designed for but that they affect our environment as well. Reading the labels carefully, applying according to the manufacturers direction, checking for expiration dates and careful and proper disposal are all part of being a responsible gardener.
Cleaning garden tools may seem silly as you will turn around and put them right back in the dirt but there are good reasons for this process. Any tool that cuts should be kept sharp. Just like the old saying ‘only a sharp knife will cut you’, only sharp garden cutting tools will do the job more easily and efficiently. Lubricating the hinge or joining area of the cutting tool will reduce the tension on your hands while cutting.
If you want to sharpen your tools at home you will need a whet stone and oil that does not break down when heated. The friction caused while running the blade over the stone produces heat. In the old days men always carried a pocket knife and they usually used 3 in 1 oil and a whet stone to keep them very sharp.
The technique for sharpening will vary depending on the specific tool and the shape of the blade. Using Internet Explorer, type in “how to sharpen” and a drop down list will appear allowing you to find the specific tool and technique required.
If the blades you need to sharpen are on a piece of power equipment, please refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Clean handles will ensure a firm grip. A firm grip allows for complete control of the tool and will reduce the “oops” factor when handling. I learned the “oops” factor the hard way with a hedge trimmer that had a slippery handle. Since then I clean the handles of all of my garden tools not just the power tools.
Trying to keep up with the leaves has been more challenging this past week and it appears that there are still several weeks worth of leaves still on the trees.
In order to apply the last round of lawn fertilizer before winter, I keep a close eye on the upcoming weather. I want to wait until as late as possible which is usually just prior to Thanksgiving and make sure that leaf debris has been removed just prior to spreading so that the chemical reaches the soil where it can do its job. If you mulch the leaves into the lawn this is not an issue.
Now that the fall cleanup is just about done, why not take a short half-day trip. See one of Indiana's greatest wildlife spectacles at Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area. Each fall, tens of thousands of sandhill cranes visit J-P's shallow marshes. Mid-November is the peak time for viewing. Their contact information is 5822 N. Fish and Wildlife Lane, Medaryville, IN 47957, (219) 843-4841
