Fall Check List For the Garden

As the vibrant colors of autumn start to fade and the temperatures drop, it's time to prepare your garden for the cold months ahead. Fall garden clean-up is a crucial task that not only helps maintain the overall health of your garden but also ensures a smooth transition into the next growing season. In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to perform a thorough fall garden clean-up. Penn State offers a fun “Q and A” style article on fall clean-up as well.

1.Assess Your Garden

Before you dive into cleaning up your garden, take some time to assess its current condition. Make note of any plants that are still thriving, those that are past their prime, and any specific areas that need attention.

2. Remove Dead and Dying Plants

Begin your clean-up by removing any dead or dying plants. These can become breeding grounds for diseases and pests if left in the garden. Be sure to also remove any weeds, as they can rob your garden of valuable nutrients. Several weeds are annuals and this is a great time to remove them and their seeds. Penn State has a fun “Q and A” style article about fall clean-up that is worth reading as well.

3. Prune and Trim

Pruning is an essential step in fall garden maintenance. Trim back any overgrown branches, particularly on shrubs and trees. Remove any dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth in the spring. For perennials, cut back the spent flower stalks, leaving about 2-3 inches above the ground.

4. Clean Up Debris

Clear away fallen leaves, twigs, and any other debris that has accumulated in your garden beds. Leaf litter can harbor pests and diseases, so it's important to keep your garden clean.

5. Divide and Transplant

Fall is an excellent time to divide and transplant perennials that have outgrown their space or need rejuvenation. Dig up the plant, divide it into smaller sections, and replant them in a well-prepared area of the garden. Several fall bulbs, rhizomes, etc… might need to be dug up and stored before planting in the Spring.

6. Soil Care

After removing dead plants and debris, it's time to give your soil some attention. Spread a layer of compost over your garden beds to enrich the soil and improve its structure. You can also add a layer of mulch to help conserve moisture and insulate the soil during the winter months.

7. Protect Your Garden Tools

As you wrap up your garden clean-up, don't forget to take care of your tools. Clean and sharpen your garden tools, and store them in a dry place to prevent rusting. This will ensure they're ready to go when spring arrives. Tools can be disinfected with rubbing alcohol. For more detailed instructions, read here.

8. Consider Cover Crops

If you have empty garden beds, consider planting cover crops like clover or rye. Cover crops help prevent soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and suppress weeds during the winter months.

9. Pest Control

Before the cold weather sets in, address any pest issues in your garden. Remove any diseased plant material, as it can serve as a reservoir for pests and diseases. Consider applying a dormant oil spray to prevent overwintering pests from taking hold.

10. Plan for Spring

While cleaning up your fall garden, take some time to plan for the next growing season. Consider what you want to plant, whether you need to amend your soil, and if there are any structural changes or additions you want to make to your garden.

If you want to plant a fall vegetable crop, consider the maturity to harvest days and plan accordingly. The University of New Hampshire has an excellent article on fall crops, grow times, etc…

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/08/fall-vegetable-gardening