While we continue to enjoy the final days of summer, it is a great time to prep your North Iowa Garden for the colder days ahead! Keep your landscaping looking great into the fall and next year by following these simple steps!

1. Water your plants and trees to ensure they have plenty of moisture in their roots.

2. Buy Bulbs so you can take advantage of lower prices in the off season.

3. Till Your Soil for next year's growth.

4. Plant Autumnal Annuals to keep your garden bright and colorful well into the fall.

5. Add Shrubs and Evergreens so they can root before the winter.

6. Cut Your Grass Lower to help the soil dry out quicker in the spring.

7. Remove Debris Rose Beds since fallen rose foliage is a spot where plant diseases can fester in the winter.

8. Cut Back Perennials so that they have room to grow next year.

9. Clean The Vegetable Garden of weeds and debris to keep pests at bay.

10. Remove Annuals that are dead and use them in your compost heap.

11. Dig Summer Bulbs and store them inside so you can enjoy them again next year.

12. Plant Bulbs that are hardy enough for colder temperatures so that they bloom as soon as spring comes around.

13. Nourish Your Lawn so it has all the nutrients it needs to last throughout the winter.

14. Rake all fallen leaves so your lawn can breathe and use the shredded leaves for mulch.

15. Protect Plants from the upcoming cold by placing frost barriers on them immediately after the first freeze.

16. Plant Bulbs Indoors to get a jump start on your spring garden.

17. Bring Container Plants Indoors after you have removed them of pests.

18. Empty Water from your hoses, fountains, and irrigation systems and store in a dry place so they are working properly next gardening season!

For more great home owner tips, visit our Website and follow us on Facebook!