WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THOSE LEAVES
When leaves drop to the ground, they decompose and enrich the soil with nutrients, fungi, and bacteria while also providing a protective mulch around the plant. But leaf litter is dry and can provide fuel for fire. Clean up all leaf litter near the home in Zone 0. Add this leaf litter to a compost pile at least 30ft from your home. Get more ideas for leaf litter here.
COMBAT THE RATS! 
Rats are among the most troublesome and damaging rodents in residential areas. Rats damage garden crops and tree fruit and may infest buildings where they can contaminate food and transmit diseases to humans and pets. Click here to learn how to manage this pesky pest.
BEFORE YOU PUT YOUR TOOLS AWAY
Good tools need regular care to keep them working properly and safely. Cleaning your tools is also important to prevent the spread of disease-causing pathogens. Remove all soil from the tools, and clean them with a 10% bleach solution or other disinfectant to protect tools from spreading diseases. Apply a light layer of oil to prevent rusting. Learn more about tool care here.
ABOUNDING ADVANTAGES OF COVER CROPS
Also known as “green manure”, cover crops are used to enrich soil fertility and improve soil structure. Timing when you plant cover crops is important for the success of the crop and September through October is a prime time. Cover crops help suppress weeds, protect soil from erosion, provide habitat for beneficial insects and earthworms, and so much more.
ARE YOU OVERWATERING?
As the summer heat starts to ease with shorter days, your plants will require less water to remain at their optimal health. Get tips on: how to water properly, how much you should be watering, and what factors impact watering needs. Marin Water provides a helpful weekly watering schedule to help you properly program your irrigation throughout the seasons.
Native edibles such as Western beaked hazelnuts, California wild grapes, and Evergreen huckleberries make great garden additions. Not only are they easy to grow...
GO TO THE MARIN IJ ARCHIVE PAGE FOR MORE STORIES AND GARDENING TIPS!
| Event Name | Date |
|---|---|
| Winter Rose Pruning | 1/4/2025 |
| Growing Roses | 1/14/2025 |
| Monarchs in Marin | 1/18/2025 |
| Introduction to California Native Plants | 1/21/2025 |
ADD COLOR TO FALL GARDENS
ART OF PRUNING JAPANESE MAPLES
SOIL HABITAT
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