4 minute read

As summer fades and the cool breezes of autumn roll in, I find myself spending extra time in my garden, getting it ready for the colder months ahead. Gardening has always been a passion of mine, and I love that most of the produce my family enjoys comes right from our own backyard. Fall gardening is one of my favorite times because it’s all about giving your plants a little extra care before winter. With a few simple tasks—like planting bulbs, composting leaves, and protecting plants from frost—you can help your garden thrive through the winter and set the stage for a colorful, vibrant spring.

Here’s what I do to get my garden winter-ready, and how you can too!

1. Plant Spring Bulbs for a Colorful Spring

One of the most rewarding fall tasks is planting spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. These hardy bulbs need time to develop roots before the ground freezes.

• Timing: Plant bulbs 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
• Depth & Spacing: Dig holes 2-3 times the height of the bulb and space 3-6 inches apart.
• Watering: Water after planting to help roots establish.

By spring, your garden will burst with vibrant colors.

2. Compost Your Leaves

Instead of bagging fall leaves, use them to enrich your soil by composting. Leaf composting improves soil structure and adds vital nutrients.

• Shred the leaves: Use a lawn mower to break them down.
• Layer: Alternate leaves with green materials like grass clippings.
• Moisture: Keep the compost slightly damp and turn it regularly.

By spring, you’ll have nutrient-rich compost ready for your beds.

3. Protect Plants from Winter Frost

As temperatures drop, shield your vulnerable plants from frost and snow.

• Mulch: Add 2-4 inches of mulch around plants to insulate roots.
• Cover tender plants: Use frost blankets or burlap for sensitive plants.
• Move containers: Bring potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area.

These small steps will help your plants survive winter's chill.

4. Prune Trees and Shrubs

Fall is ideal for light pruning to remove dead or damaged branches. However, avoid heavy pruning of flowering shrubs like hydrangeas, as this could remove next year's buds.

• Remove dead branches: This prevents snow damage.
• Disinfect tools: Clean your tools between cuts to prevent spreading disease.

5. Prepare Your Lawn

Fall is the perfect time to prepare your lawn for winter dormancy.

• Aerate the soil: This allows water and nutrients to reach grass roots.
• Fertilize: Use a slow-release fertilizer to promote early spring growth.
• Reseed bare spots: Cooler temperatures make fall ideal for overseeding.

By following these steps, you’ll set yourself up for a thriving garden come spring. With a little fall preparation, you can enjoy a peaceful winter knowing your garden is ready to flourish when the warmer months return.

Happy fall gardening!

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