Preparing Garden Beds for Fall in Ormond Beach, FL
October 15, 2024
Preparing Garden Beds in Ormond Beach: How to Clean Up and Get Ready for Cooler Weather
As cooler weather approaches Ormond Beach, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your garden beds for fall and winter. Properly maintaining your garden beds now will not only enhance the appearance of your landscape but also ensure that your plants remain healthy and vibrant through the cooler months. Here are some essential tips to help you clean up and prepare your garden beds for the upcoming season.
1. Remove Spent Plants and Weeds:
Begin by clearing out any spent annuals, dead foliage, and lingering weeds from your garden beds. Removing these will help prevent the spread of pests and diseases that can overwinter in plant debris. Be thorough with weeding, as cooler weather can cause some hardy weeds to spread if left unchecked.
2. Prune and Trim Perennials:
Perennials benefit from a good trim before winter sets in. Cut back dead or diseased stems to promote healthy growth in the spring. For plants like hostas, daylilies, and coneflowers, remove any dead leaves and flowers. Avoid pruning spring-blooming perennials like azaleas and camellias, as they’ve already set buds for next year.
3. Mulch for Protection:
Adding a layer of mulch to your garden beds is one of the best ways to protect your plants during cooler weather. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and prevent soil erosion. Aim for a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, like pine straw or wood chips, around your plants, but keep it away from direct contact with the stems to avoid rot.
4. Plant Fall Annuals and Bulbs:
Fall is a great time to plant cool-season annuals like pansies, mums, and snapdragons to add color to your garden beds. It’s also the perfect time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils. Make sure to plant bulbs at the correct depth and water them well.
5. Soil Care:
Finally, consider adding compost or organic matter to your soil. This enriches the soil, improves drainage, and provides essential nutrients for your plants throughout the winter. Turn over the soil gently and mix in compost for best results.
Preparing your garden beds for fall is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy and beautiful landscape. For professional help with garden bed maintenance or any other landscaping needs, contact Kennedy Landscaping, your go-to lawn and garden experts in Ormond Beach. Let us help you create a stunning outdoor space that thrives all year long!
While much of the country is blanketed in snow, December in Central Florida means mild temperatures, green lawns, and plenty of time to enjoy your outdoor spaces. But even with our unique climate, your landscape still needs some attention to stay healthy, attractive, and ready for spring growth. Here’s how to keep your yard looking its best this December and beyond: 1. Keep Up With Lawn Care—But Adjust for Winter Your grass may not grow as quickly in December, but it still needs regular attention. Mow less frequently, but keep the grass at a moderate height to protect roots. Remove fallen leaves and debris to prevent smothering your turf and encourage airflow. Watch for signs of fungus or brown patches, which can pop up with cooler, damp weather. 2. Water Wisely Cooler months mean your landscape needs less water. Cut back irrigation to once a week or less, depending on rainfall. Water early in the day to minimize disease risk and reduce evaporation. Check your irrigation system for leaks, misdirected heads, and adjust timers for winter. 3. Add Festive, Florida-Friendly Color December is a great time to refresh beds and containers with cool-season annuals. Try petunias, snapdragons, pansies, or violas for pops of color that last all winter. Use reds, whites, and purples for a subtle holiday feel that works beyond December. Group plantings near entryways, walkways, and patios for maximum impact. 4. Tidy Up for Holiday Guests Whether you’re hosting family or just want to enjoy your space, a quick cleanup goes a long way. Edge beds and walkways for a crisp, professional look. Trim back overgrown shrubs and remove spent blooms. Add a fresh layer of mulch for instant curb appeal and root protection. Clean up outdoor living areas and check lighting for safety and ambiance. 5. Plan for Cold Snaps Central Florida rarely sees hard freezes, but a sudden cold night can still happen. Have frost cloth (not plastic) ready for sensitive plants. Move containers to sheltered spots if a freeze is forecast. Avoid heavy pruning of tropicals until after the last risk of frost in late winter. 6. Reflect and Plan for Spring December is the perfect time to walk your property and make a landscape wish list for the new year. Note areas that need improvement or new plantings. Think about upgrades like new beds, hardscaping, or outdoor lighting. Schedule consultations now—landscape pros book up fast for spring installs. Enjoy Your Landscape All Winter Long Florida’s mild winter means you can enjoy your yard year-round. With a little attention now, you’ll have a beautiful, healthy landscape to share with family, friends, and guests—plus a head start on spring. Let Kennedy Landscaping Keep Your Yard Beautiful All Winter Whether you need a quick cleanup, seasonal color, or help planning your next project, Kennedy Landscaping is here to make your Central Florida landscape shine—even in winter. Contact us today to schedule your winter landscape service and enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance yard all season long!
As Central Florida heads into the cooler months, your landscape doesn’t go to sleep the way it does up north—but it does change. Temperatures drop, days get shorter, and your lawn and plants shift into a slower growth phase. This is the perfect time to give your yard what it needs to stay healthy, attractive, and ready to bounce back strong in spring. Here’s how to tell if your landscape is truly ready for Central Florida’s cooler season. Check the Health of Your Lawn Your lawn has just made it through months of heat, humidity, and heavy rain. Before cooler weather settles in, take a close look at how it’s doing. Ask yourself: Are there thin, bare, or yellowing patches? Do you see signs of fungus or weeds taking over? Is the lawn uneven from summer growth and storm damage? Now is a great time to: Do a final round of weed control before winter Adjust mowing height so grass isn’t cut too short going into cooler weather Make sure your lawn is getting consistent, but not excessive, water A healthy lawn heading into winter is much easier to revive in spring than one that’s been stressed and neglected. Evaluate Your Irrigation Schedule Cooler months mean your landscape doesn’t need as much water as it does in summer—but many systems are still set to “July mode.” Signs your irrigation needs adjusting: Mushy or soggy areas in the yard Fungal spots on the lawn Standing water after a normal run cycle What to do: Reduce watering frequency and run times Water in the early morning, not the evening Check for leaks, broken heads, or misdirected spray Fine-tuning your irrigation now helps prevent disease, saves water, and keeps your plants healthier all winter. Inspect Trees and Shrubs Storm season, strong winds, and fast summer growth can leave trees and shrubs stressed or overgrown. Walk your property and look for: Dead or damaged branches Limbs hanging over roofs, driveways, or walkways Shrubs that are blocking windows, entries, or sightlines Light shaping and removal of dead or dangerous branches in the cooler months can improve safety and appearance. Save heavy pruning of many tropical plants for late winter or early spring, when the risk of cold damage is lower. Refresh Mulch and Planting Beds Mulch does more than just make beds look neat—it helps regulate soil temperature and moisture, which is especially helpful during temperature swings. For cooler months: Top off mulch to a 2–3 inch layer Keep mulch pulled back a few inches from trunks and stems Remove weeds and debris before adding new mulch Clean, well-mulched beds help protect roots, reduce weeds, and give your landscape a polished, maintained look all season long. Add Cool-Season Color Just because it’s cooler doesn’t mean your landscape has to look dull. Central Florida’s mild winters give you plenty of options for seasonal color. Great cool-season choices include: Petunias Snapdragons Dianthus Pansies and violas Planted in key areas—entryways, mailbox beds, and along walkways—these annuals can brighten your landscape through the cooler months and into spring. Plan Ahead for Potential Cold Snaps While Central Florida doesn’t see long freezes often, short cold snaps do happen. Be prepared by: Knowing which plants are most cold-sensitive in your yard Having frost cloth or covers on hand (not plastic) Planning where you’ll move container plants if needed A little planning now can prevent losing favorite plants to one unexpected chilly night. Let a Professional Get Your Landscape Cooler-Weather Ready If you’re not sure where to start—or you’d rather not spend your weekends tackling yard projects—Kennedy Landscaping can help you prepare your property for Central Florida’s cooler season. We can: Assess the overall health of your lawn and plants Adjust your maintenance plan for fall and winter conditions Refresh beds, mulch, and seasonal color Make sure your landscape is safe, tidy, and ready for the months ahead Is your landscape ready for cooler weather?
