09/6

No matter the season, our customers know that we’re here to make sure their closing gets to the finish line. However, we never want our partnership to end there. That’s why we love sharing non-title and closing home advice in this space – for new homeowners and those who have been in their homes for a while – alike.

That’s why we’re focusing today’s set of tips on gardening – and more specifically what to do in preparation for next year. There’s something special about caring for a garden of flowers or vegetables of your very own, and we’re here to help you make it a year-after-year joy…plus talk about curb appeal!

Make sure you “deadhead” your perennials. Perennial plants are often a popular choice of both beginner and experienced green thumbs because they bloom again each year. However, they do take some off-season work. Once they are done blooming, make sure you cut off the old stalks. You’ll likely need to do this practice, called “deadheading’, multiple times.

Add mulch to flower beds and around trees. Mulch does more than make an area look good. It also helps your plants retain water, regulate the soil temperature during the winter and keep weeds at bay. Mulching is something that can be done both now and in the spring if you would like.    

Plan what bulbs you need now. If you want flowers that come from bulbs (tulips, daffodils, etc.), it’s important to get them planted before the first frost. Plus, garden centers and other retailers may offer better prices right now.

Think about experimenting with a raised planter next season. These containers – which can be a raised flower bed or even a horse trough – help improve soil drainage and aim to make things easier on you, the gardener, as well. What makes a good planter? According to one expert, you want a planter that is at least 18 inches off the ground and has drainage holes. You should also place your new gardening area in a spot thatwill get at least five hours of sun each day.          

Want to know more tips? Check out this full list from our friends at the National Association of REALTORS®. (We may have based our list off these NAR suggestions.) Happy gardening, and we look forward to growing our relationship with you all year long.