Tips for Fall Gardening

Summer gardening is winding down, which means fall is on its way. Make the most of this autumn by preparing and planning for a fantastic spring. Autumn is an excellent time to clean up beds, regulate soils, and prepare for the upcoming growing season. It’s also a good time to plant spring flowering bulbs that will ensure a beautiful and productive garden the following season. Follow these tips and look forward to a high-functioning garden in a few short months.

Recycle

Now is the time to get rid of those pesky weeds, clean up your old plants, and remove debris so that pests and other insects don’t have a chance to survive the winter
Make sure that any of your plants that are dying or have had the leaves fall off, are removed for the upcoming frosts
Prune shrubs and hedges for last time before frost
Winterize your lawn and garden bed by tilling the hardened soil and preparing for new growth
Dry out your lawn tools and garden hoses for proper storage in your garage or shed. Read our guide for storing gardening tools the correct way.
Wash and store ceramic and terra cotta pots so they won’t freeze and crack

New Growth

Till the lawn and garden
- Aerating the lawn will help water, oxygen, and fertilizer reach grass roots faster encouraging new and sustained growth
Plant grass seed
- Cooler temperatures and increased rainfall set the perfect stage to plant new grass seeds. Roots can begin to develop before the harsh winter comes.
Start new compost bin
Create new garden beds and plan for spring.
Plant any new spring bulbs that you desire. If you live in a cooler area, plant spring bulbs in October. If you live in a warmer area, wait to plant until mid-November. Some popular spring bulbs are:
- Daffodils
- Tulips
- Hyacinth
Filler plants can be used to fill the gaps in garden beds which include:
- Chrysanthemums
- Cyclamen
- Pansies
This time is perfect for planting shrubs and trees as they will get enough dormancy and moisture, ensuring transplant shock won’t be a problem. Keep trees and shrubs well-watered in the fall to help them withstand harsh winter conditions better. Soaker hoses, spot sprinklers, and bubbler sprinklers are great for delivering water right to the roots.
Leaves can be an excellent mulch source for new garden beds and flower gardens. Using a lawn mower with a grass catcher is great for storing up these leaves for future use.

Cold/Mild Weather Gardening

Keep the gutters clean so no water runoff can ruin your garden beds. Use the Vortex extension wands to clean hard-to-reach areas without stretching or straining.
If you are worried about extended frosts or deep freezes, you can use row covers, fleece liners, and mulch layers to keep vegetables and exotics warm
Autumn planting in mild climate zones offer extended growing time for:
- Cabbage/broccoli
- Garlic
- Radishes
- Generic root crops