Fall Garden Checklist: Winterize for Spring Success

Autumn chores determine next year's garden health. This checklist covers perennials, vegetables, lawn, tools, and water features—everything to tuck in before snow flies.

Perennial Beds

Cut back selectively: diseased plants to ground; healthy ones to varied heights for winter interest and wildlife habitat. Leave mums, asters, ferns taller—crown protection. Mark locations to avoid spring disturbance. Timing: later is better.

Compost Building

Stockpile fall leaves and grass clippings. Layer brown/green. Turn occasionally. Black gold by spring.

Vegetable Garden

Harvest all before frost. Remove diseased material—burn or trash, don't compost. Clean beds.

Bulbs and Tenders

Plant spring/summer bulbs now. Lift tender bulbs (dahlias, glads, cannas)—cure, store cool/dry (35–50°F). Label everything.

Mulch and Amend

2–3" mulch on perennials after ground freezes. Fall manure/compost application = spring-ready nutrition.

Houseplants

Transition gradually: shade outdoors → indoors before frost. Inspect for pests.

Roses

Prune dead/damaged. Remove old flowers. Mound base 6–12" with soil/mulch. Cover with bushel basket if extreme cold.

Lawn

Aerate/thatch if compacted. Overseed. Fall fertilize—roots grow until soil freezes.

Tools

Clean, sharpen, oil. Prevent rust. Spring-ready.

Water Features

Drain if freeze risk. Store pumps/filters indoors.

Work now, relax later. Spring will thank you.