The work you do in fall pays off in spring. A thoughtful garden cleanup protects your soil, reduces some pest and disease problems, keeps tools and irrigation in good shape and gives you a head start on next season.
But “cleanup” does not have to mean stripping the garden bare. Many gardeners now leave some plant material standing to support wildlife and protect soil. This checklist helps you strike the right balance.
When to Start
Begin winter preparation after your first frost, when most annual vegetables and flowers have finished. In warm climates, fall may be the start of a new growing season rather than the end. Check your local frost dates and cooperative extension guidance.
Vegetable Beds
Harvest Remaining Crops
- Pick remaining tomatoes, peppers and other tender crops before a hard freeze. Green tomatoes can sometimes ripen indoors.
- Root crops like carrots and parsnips can often stay in the ground under mulch in many areas and be harvested as needed until the ground freezes.
- Cold-hardy greens like kale and collards can continue producing after light frosts. See what to plant in fall.
Remove Spent and Diseased Plants
- Pull finished annual plants.
- Remove diseased plant material rather than leaving it in the garden, since some disease organisms can overwinter on debris. Many gardeners do not add diseased material to home compost piles.
- Healthy plant material can go into the compost. See composting at home.
Protect the Soil
Bare soil can erode and lose nutrients over winter. Options include:
- Plant a cover crop such as cereal rye, oats or crimson clover, timed for your area.
- Mulch beds with shredded leaves, straw or compost.
- Add compost now so it can begin to integrate before spring.
Test the Soil
Fall is a good time for a soil test so you can make amendments before spring. See how to test and improve garden soil.
Plant Garlic
In many areas, fall is the time to plant garlic for harvest next summer.
Perennials and Flower Beds
Decide What to Leave Standing
Many gardeners leave some perennials standing over winter:
- Seed heads of coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and ornamental grasses can feed birds.
- Hollow stems may shelter native bees and other beneficial insects.
- Standing plants add winter interest and catch snow, which insulates roots.
Cut back plants that had disease problems or that tend to flop and become messy.
Mulch Perennials
After the ground begins to freeze in cold climates, a layer of mulch helps keep soil temperatures more stable and reduces frost heaving, which can push plants out of the ground. Keep mulch away from crowns and stems.
Plant Spring Bulbs
Plant tulips, daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs before the ground freezes.
Divide Perennials
Early fall is a good time to divide many crowded spring- and summer-blooming perennials so they can establish roots before winter.
Trees and Shrubs
- Water deeply before the ground freezes, especially evergreens and newly planted trees, if fall has been dry.
- Mulch around the base, keeping mulch away from trunks.
- Protect young trunks from rodents with tree guards where needed.
- Wrap or shelter tender shrubs in exposed locations as recommended for your area.
- Hold off on major pruning of many trees and shrubs until late winter or the appropriate time for the species. Remove dead or broken branches any time.
Leaves
Fallen leaves are a valuable resource:
- Shred and use as mulch in beds.
- Add to compost as a carbon-rich “brown.”
- Make leaf mold by piling leaves and letting them break down over a year or two.
- Leave some leaves in out-of-the-way areas for wildlife habitat.
Avoid leaving thick mats of whole leaves on lawns, which can smother grass.
Containers
- Empty annual containers and add used potting mix to compost or garden beds.
- Clean and store pots, especially terracotta and ceramic, which can crack if they freeze while wet.
- Protect perennial and shrub containers by grouping them in a sheltered spot, wrapping them or moving them into an unheated garage.
- Bring tender herbs indoors. See growing herbs in containers.
Hoses and Irrigation
- Disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets before freezing weather.
- Drain hoses completely and store them indoors or in a shed. See our garden hose guide.
- Shut off and drain outdoor faucets, if your home has interior shutoff valves, or follow your plumber’s guidance.
- Drain drip irrigation and soaker hoses and bring in timers, filters and pressure regulators. See drip irrigation vs. soaker hoses.
- Empty rain barrels or follow the manufacturer’s winter instructions.
Tools and Equipment
- Clean tools of soil and plant debris.
- Sharpen blades on pruners, hoes and shovels.
- Oil metal parts to prevent rust.
- Treat wooden handles with linseed oil.
- Store tools in a dry place.
- Follow the manufacturer’s off-season instructions for gas or battery-powered equipment, including fuel and battery storage.
See our guide to garden tools for beginners.
Plan for Next Year
Fall is a great time to reflect while the season is fresh in your mind:
- Record what worked and what did not, including varieties, planting dates and problems.
- Sketch a crop rotation plan so plant families move to new spots.
- Make a list of seeds to buy and tools to replace.
- Plan new beds or improvements. See raised bed plans for beginners.
Fall Garden Checklist
| Task | Done |
|---|---|
| Harvest remaining crops | ☐ |
| Remove diseased plants | ☐ |
| Compost healthy debris | ☐ |
| Plant cover crops or mulch beds | ☐ |
| Test soil | ☐ |
| Plant garlic and bulbs | ☐ |
| Mulch perennials after ground begins to freeze | ☐ |
| Water trees and shrubs before freeze | ☐ |
| Collect and use leaves | ☐ |
| Store containers | ☐ |
| Drain and store hoses and irrigation | ☐ |
| Clean and store tools | ☐ |
| Record notes for next year | ☐ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I cut back all my perennials in fall?
Not necessarily. Leaving some standing benefits wildlife and protects plant crowns. Cut back diseased or messy plants.
Should I till my garden in fall?
Many gardeners now avoid heavy tilling and instead add compost and mulch or plant cover crops to protect soil structure.
Can I leave tomato cages and stakes outside?
They will last longer if cleaned and stored out of the weather.
When should I mulch for winter?
In cold climates, many gardeners add winter mulch after the ground begins to freeze, which helps keep soil temperatures more consistent.
Do I need to water in winter?
In dry winters, evergreens and newly planted trees may benefit from watering when the ground is not frozen.
The Bottom Line
Preparing your garden for winter protects soil, plants and equipment. Harvest what remains, remove diseased plants, protect soil with mulch or cover crops, leave some habitat for wildlife, drain hoses and irrigation and clean your tools. Then take notes and start dreaming about next spring.
Editorial note: Backyard Bloomer is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.
