Together: Prepare for the coming fall

JILL ANNIS For the State Journal

Fall is a gorgeous time of year in Wisconsin. Take time to enjoy its beauty as well as some time to complete three tasks that will prepare your home and yard for the harsher winter climate:

1. Outdoor furniture and planters. Remove plants from your container gardens just before a heavy frost or now if they are nearly lifeless. Over-winter the pots in your garage, shed or beneath your deck. Protect outdoor furniture from the harsh winter elements by either covering or moving it to a sheltered area or basement. Bring in the patio umbrella and summer accessories. You’ll enjoy your outdoor furniture for many years if you protect it in winter.

2. Garden. Trim your perennials and remove the annuals as you put your garden to bed for the winter. Rake up leaves and garden waste and then compost, bag or place it by the curb if your city offers to collect it. Disconnect your hoses, shut off the water to your outdoor faucets, and store your gardening tools.

3. Garage. Your car is a huge investment. If there currently isn’t enough room in your garage to park your vehicles and you want to change this arrangement, make garage organization a priority. Recycle empty boxes at the curb or your city recycling center. Move stuff to the basement. In doing so you may create disorganization but at least your cars won’t need to have ice or snow scraped off their windows and you won’t have to deal with frozen door locks. Schedule time during the winter to tackle your basement or hire help. Remember to winterize your lawn mower and test the snow blower.