Preparing Garden Beds for Fall in Ormond Beach, FL
October 15, 2024
Preparing Garden Beds in Ormond Beach: How to Clean Up and Get Ready for Cooler Weather
As cooler weather approaches Ormond Beach, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your garden beds for fall and winter. Properly maintaining your garden beds now will not only enhance the appearance of your landscape but also ensure that your plants remain healthy and vibrant through the cooler months. Here are some essential tips to help you clean up and prepare your garden beds for the upcoming season.
1. Remove Spent Plants and Weeds:
Begin by clearing out any spent annuals, dead foliage, and lingering weeds from your garden beds. Removing these will help prevent the spread of pests and diseases that can overwinter in plant debris. Be thorough with weeding, as cooler weather can cause some hardy weeds to spread if left unchecked.
2. Prune and Trim Perennials:
Perennials benefit from a good trim before winter sets in. Cut back dead or diseased stems to promote healthy growth in the spring. For plants like hostas, daylilies, and coneflowers, remove any dead leaves and flowers. Avoid pruning spring-blooming perennials like azaleas and camellias, as they’ve already set buds for next year.
3. Mulch for Protection:
Adding a layer of mulch to your garden beds is one of the best ways to protect your plants during cooler weather. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and prevent soil erosion. Aim for a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, like pine straw or wood chips, around your plants, but keep it away from direct contact with the stems to avoid rot.
4. Plant Fall Annuals and Bulbs:
Fall is a great time to plant cool-season annuals like pansies, mums, and snapdragons to add color to your garden beds. It’s also the perfect time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils. Make sure to plant bulbs at the correct depth and water them well.
5. Soil Care:
Finally, consider adding compost or organic matter to your soil. This enriches the soil, improves drainage, and provides essential nutrients for your plants throughout the winter. Turn over the soil gently and mix in compost for best results.
Preparing your garden beds for fall is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy and beautiful landscape. For professional help with garden bed maintenance or any other landscaping needs, contact Kennedy Landscaping, your go-to lawn and garden experts in Ormond Beach. Let us help you create a stunning outdoor space that thrives all year long!
January in Central Florida is a little different than “winter” in most places. Your lawn may slow down, but it doesn’t stop needing attention—especially after a busy holiday season, cooler nights, and occasional dry stretches. The good news: a few smart moves in January can prevent common problems (weeds, thinning turf, irrigation issues) and make spring lawn care easier and more effective. Here’s what to focus on now. 1) Adjust mowing (don’t scalp your grass) Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, Bermuda, and Zoysia typically grow more slowly in January. That often leads homeowners to mow “extra short” to stretch time between cuts—but scalping can stress the lawn and invite weeds. Keep mowing as needed, but less frequently Avoid cutting more than one-third of the blade at a time Make sure mower blades are sharp for a clean cut 2) Watch for winter weeds before they take over Many Central Florida lawns see winter weeds pop up when turf growth slows. If you wait until weeds are everywhere, they’re harder to control—and they can crowd out healthy grass. Common winter weed troublemakers include: Chickweed Clover Annual bluegrass A proactive approach (spot treatment, proper mowing height, and a seasonal plan) helps keep weeds from becoming a springtime headache. 3) Check irrigation settings (most systems are still on “summer mode”) January usually means less evaporation and less plant water demand. If your irrigation schedule hasn’t changed since summer, you may be overwatering—one of the fastest ways to trigger fungus, root issues, and wasted water. Quick January irrigation checklist: Reduce run times and/or watering days Water early morning (not at night) Look for broken heads, leaks, or spray hitting sidewalks Make sure each zone is covering evenly 4) Clean up debris and protect turf from traffic Between holiday guests, cooler weather, and occasional storms, lawns can get compacted or smothered by leaves and debris. Remove leaves and branches so grass can breathe Pay attention to shaded areas (they stay damp longer) Limit heavy foot traffic on thin or stressed spots 5) Plan now for spring upgrades January is a great time to walk your property and make notes while growth is slower. You’ll see issues more clearly—thin areas, drainage problems, bed edges that need redefining, or spots that could use new plantings. Consider planning: A spring bed refresh (mulch, edging, seasonal color) Lawn recovery steps for thin or patchy areas Drainage improvements before rainy season returns A maintenance schedule that fits your property and goals Let Kennedy Landscaping help you start the year strong A healthy lawn in spring starts with smart decisions in winter. If you’d like help creating a seasonal plan, adjusting irrigation, tackling weeds, or keeping your property looking sharp year-round, Kennedy Landscaping is here for you. Contact Kennedy Landscaping today to schedule your January lawn and landscape checkup and start the new year with a yard you’ll feel proud of.
As the year draws to a close and a fresh start is just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to set some goals—not just for yourself, but for your landscape, too! Central Florida’s mild winters mean you don’t have to wait for spring to get started. Here are some simple, impactful landscaping resolutions to help your yard look its best in 2026. 1. Commit to Consistent Lawn Care A healthy, green lawn doesn’t happen by accident. Set a regular mowing, edging, and fertilization schedule Adjust irrigation as the seasons change Address bare spots or weed problems early for a lush look all year 2. Add More Florida-Friendly Plants Resolve to choose plants that thrive in our climate. Incorporate native and drought-tolerant varieties to save water and reduce maintenance Group plants by water needs for efficiency and healthier growth Try adding pollinator-friendly flowers to support local wildlife 3. Refresh Mulch and Beds A quick mulch refresh can make your whole landscape look new again. Top off beds with a fresh layer of mulch for weed suppression and root protection Redefine bed edges for a sharp, professional appearance Remove any tired or overgrown plants and replace with something fresh 4. Plan for Seasonal Color Keep your yard vibrant all year by planning for color in every season. Rotate cool-season annuals in winter and spring Use containers for easy, flexible updates Consider adding flowering shrubs for long-lasting impact 5. Upgrade Outdoor Living Areas Make the most of Florida’s outdoor lifestyle. Clean and declutter patios, decks, and walkways Add lighting for safety and ambiance Invest in comfortable seating or new planters to make your space more inviting 6. Schedule Professional Maintenance If you want to save time and get the best results, resolve to bring in the pros. Regular maintenance keeps your landscape healthy and beautiful Professional teams spot issues before they become costly problems Schedule early for spring projects—slots fill up fast! Start the Year with a Landscape You Love A little planning now can make a big difference in how your yard looks and functions all year. Whether you want a total refresh or just a few simple upgrades, Kennedy Landscaping is here to help you achieve your 2026 landscape goals. Ready to make your landscape resolutions a reality? Contact Kennedy Landscaping today to schedule your New Year consultation and start the year off with a yard you’ll be proud to show off.
