Water the area thoroughly first. Harvest shallots and garlic after the tops have died down. To freshen the appearance of basket plantings, clip away dead parts and trim the plants back a little. Top up the soil with a little rich and humusy planting mix, and water with a mild fish fertilizer solution. Chop or cut the roots and stumps up for the compost, and replant the emptied sites with fall vegetables.
Longer grass shades the roots, conserves moisture, and inhibits weed growth.
For minimal stress to the lawn, and for short clippings that break down easily to nourish the grass plants, mow often. Keep the plants consistently well watered, and mulch with compost to reduce moisture loss and enrich the soil. Leave just four or five leaf stems on the new growth made this year. The new growth will be noticeably smoother and greener than last year's growth. Copyright 1999-2001, all rights reserved worldwide.