5 Fall Things To Do Now In The Garden

As the days shorten and the air turns crisp, it’s easy to think that the gardening season is over. But don’t hang up your trowel just yet! Fall offers a unique opportunity to prepare your garden for a vibrant spring and even enjoy a few last harvests. Here are five essential gardening tasks to tackle this fall:

1. Plant Spring-Blooming Bulbs

A Burst of Color Awaits: Imagine a sea of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths greeting you as winter’s chill recedes. Planting bulbs now is like sending a message of hope to the future, a promise of beauty to come.

How to Do it Right:

• Choose the Right Bulbs: Select bulbs that thrive in your climate and soil. Local nurseries are your best resource for expert advice and varieties suited to your region.
• Timing is Key: Aim to plant your bulbs 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes. This allows them to develop a strong root system before winter sets in.
• Location, Location, Location: Consider the mature height and sun requirements of your chosen bulbs. Tulips, for example, crave sunshine, while daffodils tolerate some shade.
• Planting Depth Matters: A general rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at a depth three times their height. So, a 2-inch bulb should be planted 6 inches deep.
• Water Well: After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly to settle the soil.

Pro Tip: For a natural look, toss handfuls of bulbs across the planting area and plant them where they land. This creates a more randomized, less formal display.

2. Clean Up and Compost

Nature’s Recycling Program: Fall cleanup isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about returning valuable nutrients to the soil and preventing pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden.

What to Tackle:

• Remove Spent Annuals: Pull out any annual flowers or vegetables that have finished their life cycle.
• Cut Back Perennials: Many perennials benefit from being cut back in the fall. This helps prevent disease and encourages new growth in the spring. However, some perennials, like ornamental grasses, provide winter interest and can be left standing.
• Rake Leaves: Fallen leaves are a gardener’s gold! Instead of bagging them, shred them with a lawnmower or use a leaf shredder. They make excellent mulch or additions to your compost pile.
• Compost with Care: Start a compost pile or add to an existing one with leaves, plant debris, and kitchen scraps. Avoid adding diseased plants or weeds that have gone to seed.

Pro Tip: Leave some leaf litter in your garden beds to provide habitat for beneficial insects over the winter.

3. Prepare the Soil

The Foundation of a Healthy Garden: Healthy soil is the cornerstone of a thriving garden. Fall is the ideal time to amend your soil and give it a boost before winter.

Soil-Boosting Strategies:

• Soil Testing: A soil test provides valuable information about your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. This allows you to make informed decisions about what amendments to add.
• Add Organic Matter: Incorporate compost, aged manure, or leaf mold into your garden beds. This improves soil structure, drainage, and nutrient content.
• Mulch, Mulch, Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch, such as shredded bark or wood chips, around your plants. This helps insulate the soil, suppress weeds, and conserve moisture.

Pro Tip: For heavy clay soil, consider adding gypsum to improve drainage. For sandy soil, add peat moss to increase water retention.

Related: Why You Should Develop Gardening Skills

4. Protect Vulnerable Plants

Winterizing Your Garden: As temperatures drop, it’s crucial to protect tender plants from the harsh elements.

Protection Strategies:

• Frost Protection: Cover vulnerable plants with blankets, sheets, or row covers when frost is expected. Remove the covers during the day to allow sunlight and air circulation.
• Wrap Young Trees: Wrap the trunks of young trees with tree wrap to prevent winter sunscald and rodent damage.
• Move Potted Plants: Bring potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location, such as a porch or unheated garage.

Pro Tip: Water your plants thoroughly before the first frost. Well-hydrated plants are better able to withstand cold temperatures.

5. Plant Cool-Season Crops

Extend the Harvest: While the summer growing season may be winding down, there are still plenty of vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures.

Cool-Season Choices:

• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and arugula can be planted in the fall for a continuous harvest throughout the winter in milder climates.
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, and radishes can be sown in late summer or early fall for a fall harvest.
• Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are cool-season crops that can be planted in the fall in some regions.

Pro Tip: Use row covers or cold frames to extend the growing season and protect your fall crops from frost.

Related: Things to Know Before Starting a Garden 

Beyond the To-Do List:

Fall gardening is more than just a checklist of chores. It’s a time to connect with nature, reflect on the past season, and anticipate the beauty to come. As you work in your garden, take a moment to appreciate the changing colors, the crisp air, and the quiet beauty of the season.

By investing a little time and effort this fall, you’ll be rewarded with a healthy and vibrant garden come spring. Happy gardening!