Fall Garden Guide: Preparing Your Garden for Success in Every Season

As the vibrant colors of summer fade, fall presents the perfect opportunity to gently put your garden to bed and set yourself up for success in the seasons to come. Here’s a quick guide to help you transition your garden into the cooler months so nature can thrive, even in its sleep.

Enjoy Fall Blooms and Let Summer Fade Slowly

Fall is a time to savor the last blooms of the season while allowing summer plants to die back naturally. Resist the urge to tidy up too quickly—many plants, such as ornamental grasses and seed heads, add visual interest and provide food and shelter for wildlife. Allowing nature to take its course ensures your garden stays beautiful and beneficial for local ecosystems.

Collect Seeds and Containers for Winter and Spring Sowing

Now is the time to gather seeds from your favorite plants for next year. Collect and store them in a cool, dry place. Also, gather, clean and organize your containers, pots, and tools so they’re ready for winter sowing or early spring planting. This small effort now will save you time and money when the new growing season begins.

Leave the Leaves!

Fallen leaves are more than just debris; they’re a natural mulch that enriches the soil, retains moisture, and provides habitat for beneficial insects. Instead of raking them all away, leave a layer on garden beds or use them to create leaf mold, a fantastic soil conditioner. Your garden—and the creatures that call it home—will thank you.

Keep Composting (or Start a Pile!)

Composting is a year-round activity that pays dividends in every season. If you already compost, continue adding kitchen scraps and garden waste to your pile. If you haven’t started yet, fall is an excellent time to begin. Composting not only reduces waste but also creates rich, fertile soil to nourish your plants next year.

By taking these simple steps now, you’ll ensure your garden is well-prepared for winter and ready to burst into life come spring. Enjoy the beauty of fall, and give your garden the care it needs to thrive in every season.