Rule of weeding and tips for getting gardens ready for winter

Linn County Master Gardener, Claire Smith, offers timely reminders about getting Iowa gardens ready for winter. Read through to the end for a true tale about the rule for weeding:

It's about that time of the year-can you believe it-to begin preparing for our garden's long winter nap:

• Remove and discard diseased plants (DO NOT COMPOST).  Fall clean up is the best time to reduce the risk of insects and disease in next year's gardens.
• If you've a mind to keep your containers a while longer, take time to move them into the garage or cover them when there is a threat of frost.
• Allow plants you're moving back indoors to adjust to their new location before pruning or cutting back.
• Take a soil test.  Be prepared for next year.
• Mow grass as long as it keeps growing.  Remove no more than 1/3 of total height each time.
• Apply a broadleaf herbicide to creeping charlie and other difficult to control weeds.  Spot treat problem areas now, too.
• Fertilize your lawn with a slow release nitrogen fertilizer. 
• Keep watering new plantings and transplants until the ground is frozen.
• Shred leaves and leave them on the lawn to decompose or compost them.
• Create physical barriers between plants and de-icers such as decorative fencing or burlap screens.
• Prepare storage areas for gardening tools and clean the tools before stowing away.

Saw a cute ponderism today, “Gardening rule:  when weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it.  If it comes out of the ground easily, it's a valuable plant.”   We have a friend who actually applied the rule.  She planted sunflowers outside her kitchen window knowing they would grow tall enough to enjoy while she washed dishes.  Unfortunately, they didn't get the opportunity.  Yes, she thought the young sprouts were weeds!   If you're tired of weeding and other gardening tasks, go ahead wrap up your gardens for the season.  You can't be the only person who doesn't eat, live and breathe gardening 24/7/365! Complete this season's gardening adventure by journaling.  Record successes, failure and plans.  Include pictures.