KATHY'S HOME & GARDEN BLOG - MORE FALL CHORES AROUND THE HOUSE
Now that it has finally cooled off, it is time to tackle more pre-winter jobs around the house and garden.
If you don't have siding on your house and you have peeling paint it's time to treat these areas before the cold and snow comes. Scrape the area well. Prime with a primer made for outdoor use. Paint with a thick hand, making sure it's not going to rain for at least a day.
Even with a brick house check the window sills, soffits and other areas that have uncovered wood. While checking for areas that need painting, don't forget to look for spots that need caulking. This is especially important around windows. Caulking will keep out water as well as cold drafts.
Don't forget the garden. Start pulling up plants that are no longer producing. Most of the soil in this area is alkaline (heavy clay), so now is a good time to augment the soil. Peat Moss is a good additive. It will slowly make the soil more tillable over the winter. To add nutrients plant a ground cover over the entire garden - winter rye, rye grass and buckwheat are good choices. Be sure to dig them into the soil before they flower.
GOT A FALL CHORE THAT I MISSED? Let me know!
DEAN'S TEAM HOME & GARDEN EDITOR,
KATHLEEN WEAVER ZECH
