Yard work

**Darlene** · 09-12-2010, 02:21 PM

We've been loving the cooler temps September brings, making outdoor work more enjoyable. Am I the only one who gets a good feeling putting things to rest for the winter? Just makes me feel cozy and warm inside, lol.

The woods behind our house have slowly been creeping into our lawn and we "dropped the hammer on it" by being ruthless with pruners, a saw and weed wacker. Lawn reclaimed and now you don't have to dodge & weave as you mow or walk by.

Lots of growth on the creek bank too. It's really awkward to work on the slanted hill but little by little that gets tamed also. Some trees/weeds grow really tall and block the view...I'd like most all of it gone but you need the vegetation to help stabilize the bank & guard against erosion. Birds need places to live/hide too.

Grapevine is a major problem & you have to be so careful you don't twist an ankle etc as you work your way around.

It really is looking nice around here with more work to be done as flowers and garden give their last hurrah.
You been doing any yard work?

**Luckybustert** · 09-12-2010, 07:14 PM

I haven't been doing any yardwork lately and it unfortunately shows.

**Labontet** · 09-12-2010, 09:55 PM

I did yard work today too. It was not nice and cool here in Fla. It was sunny and hot with thunderstorms this afternoon. The heat index was 100-105.
Where is fall?

**mamamia** · 09-13-2010, 05:40 AM

Originally Posted by Labontet

I did yard work today too. It was not nice and cool here in Fla. It was sunny and hot with thunderstorms this afternoon. The heat index was 100-105.
Where is fall?

Since I'm also in Central Fl, I was coming on to say the same thing, except to add that I'm so very jealous!

Fall was always my favorite season in NY. I miss EVERYTHING about it, including that "warm, cozy feeling" you mentioned.

Maybe this year we'll get at least an "earlier" fall than the usual waiting till Oct. or Nov. to notice a real change. One can hope anyway...lol!

Theresa

**Russ** · 09-13-2010, 07:20 AM

You mean there's a point where there is no yard work to be done?

Please, do tell.

**Darlene** · 09-13-2010, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by mamamia

Since I'm also in Central Fl, I was coming on to say the same thing, except to add that I'm so very jealous!

Fall was always my favorite season in NY. I miss EVERYTHING about it, including that "warm, cozy feeling" you mentioned.

Maybe this year we'll get at least an "earlier" fall than the usual waiting till Oct. or Nov. to notice a real change. One can hope anyway...lol!

Theresa

Aww, sorry Theresa, I hope you get that cooler weather soon.

Hey Russ-you have no time to eat popcorn, you have yard work to do & not all of us have double digit acreage to lord over.

Is yours all lawn and gardens? Having the woods on our property cuts down on land we have to work on regularly. I know yards are a lot of never ending work but nothing beats that feeling of accomplishment when you see the fruits of your labor.

**Missy** · 09-13-2010, 11:58 AM

Sorta. I have been sending the kids into the garden to bring me fruits and veggies. I feel like a backyard squash mogul. But apart from that I am kinda petering out on my enthusiasm for the work. I mean, I get out and do it, but...I'm tired. And the weeds know it. They've taken over quite a bit. I really need to get out there and deal with that. Someday.

**KeithBC** · 09-13-2010, 12:28 PM

I cleaned out my main veggie bed, dug in compost, and seeded it with fall rye. Yes, I like the smell of earth in the fall. We even got a bit of rain this week, so it was like digging earth rather than dust.

**frugal is fun** · 09-13-2010, 01:32 PM

I always enjoy working out in my yard so yup, count me in for doing yard work yesterday.

Cut the grass and then started to pull up some of the flowers and veggie plants that are just done! Tomato plants are still going strong.

**Durgan** · 09-17-2010, 07:12 PM

I have been in the process of preparing the beds for next year. First I cut all the spent vegetation, and some that is till green, since it will be finished soon, and green vegetation is easier to put through the chipper/shredder.. Then removed most of the weeds from the various beds. Then rototilled to disturb the bugs. It is a relatively simple job, all it takes effort. I am a bit behind, since I was away for three weeks, and the weeds got a head start.

I try to insure that no weeds can produce seeds, and if some are found they are placed in the garbage. Weeding is usually done on hands and knees using knee pads to insure the roots are pulled.

There is still brussels sprouts, crosne, water melon, parsley, growing.

The garlic bed must be prepared for October planting.

This year I am going to plant a row of potatoes to see if they overwinter and produce well. I noticed the few left in the ground from the last year's harvest seem to thrive and come up very early in the Spring. Worth a try anyway.

This year I am not going to plant a cover crop, simply add compost and leave little vegetation to feed bugs, and let the Sun sterilize to some degree.

Pruning is usually done in January, since we usually get a warm spell for a few days every year.

Unfortunately, my rototiller idler pulley broke, and I must get this fixed or rent a rototiller. I like using the larger tiller to insure a good depth of cultivation. I use the smaller Honda for mixing compost into the soil.

Mulch will be raked back from the various plants and compost added, then new mulch added. This disturbs bugs and adds nutrients.

Anyway, I am always experimenting to some degree.

**krbshappy71** · 09-17-2010, 09:29 PM

I hacked down my perinneals that were spent. Or so I thought, everything was hacked to stubs and this one little Shasta daisy bloomed a great big smiley face for me.

Too cute, it isn't ready for it to be fall, either.