Autumn is a beautiful time of year. The leaves start changing color, the air becomes crisp, and harvest season begins. For gardeners, autumn is an important season to prepare gardens for the upcoming winter. Here are some of the main things to do in the garden during the fall.

1. Plant fall vegetables and herbs

One of the joys of autumn is that it’s time to plant vegetables and herbs that thrive in cooler weather. Some classic choices include:

Kale – This super healthy green comes in curly or dinosaur varieties. Grow it for salads or sautéed side dishes.
Lettuce – Plant different lettuce varieties like romaine, oakleaf, and butterhead. They will grow slower now, which increases the sweetness.
Carrots – Sow carrot seeds in autumn for a fall and early winter crop. Just make sure to harvest them before the ground freezes.
Radishes – These grow quickly and add some spice to fall meals. Cherry belle and champion varieties work well.
Parsley – Plant a few parsley plants in September or October. The curly and flat leaf types will give you a burst of fresh flavor.
Garlic – Plant individual garlic cloves in the fall for an early summer harvest next year.

2. Take care of the lawn

Autumn lawn care is essential for maintaining a healthy, green lawn. Here are some tips:

Keep mowing, but raise the height slightly as grass growth slows. This helps the grass store energy.
Aerate compacted soil by punching holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to get to grass roots.
Overseed bare or sparse areas to thicken up the lawn before winter. Rake lightly after seeding to cover the seeds.
Fertilize 4-6 weeks before the first autumn frost to help feed the grass roots. An all-purpose or balanced slow-release fertilizer works well.
Remove fallen leaves often with a blower or mower. Don’t let them mat down on the grass.
Monitor for pest problems like grubs and treat accordingly. Grubs can destroy grass roots if not controlled.

3. Prep your garden beds

Get vegetable and flower beds ready for spring planting by:

Pulling finished annual plants that have stopped producing. Place pulled weeds and debris into your compost bin.
Cutting back perennials that have died back. Leave any still flowering or with good foliage.
Lightly cultivating the soil surface to expose pests and break up large dirt clumps.
Adding nutritious compost or aged manure to replenish nutrients in the soil that plants utilized over the growing season.
Planting garlic in part of your garden that won’t be used until later spring. The rest can be sown with cover crops or left empty.

4. Fertilize trees and shrubs

Fruit trees, shrubs, and perennials need some fertilizer in autumn to prep for the next growing season. Here are some tips:

For trees and shrubs, use a balanced slow-release fertilizer or aged compost to provide nutrients over time.
Focus on fertilizing young trees to establish healthy roots and growth.
Hold off fertilizing any plants that have been damaged by pests or disease until they recover.
Don’t fertilize late into autumn, as this can spur tender new growth that is vulnerable to early frosts.
Rake back mulch from trees and shrubs, fertilize if needed, then replace the mulch.

5. Plant spring bulbs

Autumn is prime planting time for tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring flowering bulbs. They need the cool soil to signal them to root before sprouting when soil warms in spring.

Choose quality, firm bulbs and plant them in well-draining soil enriched with some compost.
Plant bulbs 2-3 times as deep as their height with the pointy end up. Space them according to package directions.
Mix in different varieties and colors for a beautiful spring bulb display. Include some pollinator favorites like crocuses and hyacinths.
Water newly planted bulbs well and add mulch to cover them so they don’t dry out over winter.

6. Plant trees and shrubs

The autumn months are an ideal time for planting many trees and shrubs. Here’s how to be successful:

Research options thoroughly for non-invasive plants suited to your planting zones and garden conditions.
Amend the planting hole soil with compost or manure to give them a fertility boost.
Water new plantings thoroughly every week if rain is lacking. Avoid fertilizing at planting time.
Make sure to plant them at the proper depth – not too deep or shallow. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground.
Place mulch around new plantings to conserve moisture and insulate roots from temperature swings.
Stake larger trees initially to stabilize them and prevent roots moving before they establish.

7. Protect plants from frost

Even though gardens wind down as autumn progresses, light frosts will take out any lingering cold sensitive plants. Here are some protective measures to try:

Cover plants overnight with cloches, planters, fabric row covers, or umbrellas to shield them from frost. Remove in the morning.
Avoid pruning shrubs or trees late in fall, as this can stimulate growth that won’t harden off in time.
Harvest ripe fruit and vegetables before frost browns them or ruins the quality. Store squash and apples in a cool place.
Move potted plants to a protected area like a covered porch. Place them together for added insulation.
Water plants thoroughly before an expected frost to hydrate them and delay freezing. Just avoid overhead watering at night.

8. Clean and store garden tools

Part of seasonal garden cleanup is caring for your garden tools. Follow these tips:

Clean tools well with a stiff brush and wipe metal parts with an oily cloth to prevent rust.
Sanitize pruners and shears in a mild bleach solution to kill any disease pathogens. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Use sandpaper to gently remove any rust spots on metal toolheads, then treat with prevention spray paint.
Drain and pack away hoses and sprinklers so they are protected from the elements and rodent damage.
Empty and store outdoor planters and pots in a dry protected area like a garden shed or garage.

9. Collect seeds for next year

Many flowers, vegetables, and herbs produce seeds you can save for free future planting:

Allow the healthiest plants to keep producing past maturity so the seeds fully develop.
Harvest seeds when the plant or pod starts browning and seeds are plump. Air dry them further indoors if needed.
Label seeds with their name and year for easy identification later. Place them in envelopes or jars stored in a cool, dark place.
When sowing your collected seeds next year, plant extras to allow for some that won’t germinate. Enjoy your homegrown seeds!

10. Build compost piles

Replenishing your compost supply is important garden prep for spring. Follow proper composting techniques:

Mix equal amounts greens (nitrogen sources like kitchen scraps) and browns (carbon sources like dried leaves and twigs).
Chop large pieces, dampen dry materials as needed, and toss together for a balanced pile.
Turn the compost pile weekly to introduce air and redistribute contents. Moisture should be that of a wrung-out sponge.
In fall and winter, composting slows, so just one turning per month is sufficient ifneeded. Finished compost can be used or stored.

Conclusion

Autumn is a busy transitional time with shorter days, but the work invested in fall garden care pays off. With proper cleanup, planting, maintenance and protection, your garden will overwinter successfully and be poised for bountiful spring growth. Embrace the changing seasons and enjoy preparing your outdoor sanctuary for the coming cold months ahead by utilizing these essential autumn gardening tasks.

FAQs About Fall Gardening

What vegetables can be planted in the fall?

Some of the best vegetables for fall planting are kale, spinach, lettuce, carrots, beets, radishes, peas, swiss chard, and many types of cabbage. These cold hardy plants will continue growing well into the autumn season for late harvest.

When should I winterize my garden?

Most garden winterization tasks like removing dead plants, spreading compost, and mulching beds should be done after the first hard frost. Any major pruning, fertilizing, or transplanting is best completed by early fall before growth slows down.

Is autumn a good time for tree planting?

Yes, autumn is an ideal season for planting most trees, especially deciduous ones that go dormant. The cool temperatures allow roots to establish deeply without excessive top growth making transplant stress easier on the trees.

What perennials can be planted in fall?

Some perennials that do well when planted in autumn are hardy mums, asters, sedum, rudbeckia, camellias, hellebores, primrose, pansies, violas, and ornamental kale or cabbage. These late bloomers enhance the fall garden.

How do I prepare flower beds for winter?

To get flower beds ready for winter, cut back dead plants and pull weeds. Stir up the soil surface and add a 2-4 inch layer of compost or mulch. This insulates plant roots and provides nutrients for spring growth. Prevent puddle formation by improving drainage if necessary.