As the autumn days grow shorter and the temperatures start to drop, it’s time to prepare your garden for the coming winter. Removing dead or dying plants, raking up leaves, and clearing out debris will help ensure your garden is ready for the spring.
Start by walking through your garden to assess what needs to be done. Look for any dead or dying plants that should be removed. Pull out annual plants that have finished producing for the season. For perennials that are still alive but dying back, you may want to cut them back to the ground. Add the plant matter to your compost or municipal yard waste collection.
Rake up any fallen leaves from trees and shrubs surrounding your garden. Add the leaves to your compost pile or collect them for yard waste pickup. Leaving whole leaves in your garden over winter can mat down and smother new spring growth. Pull any weeds you see, including roots, to get them out of your garden before they have a chance to spread.
Clear your garden of any debris like garden stakes, ties, row cover material, tools, and anything else that could be damaged by exposure over winter. Bring any decorations inside that could be weathered by snow, ice or wind. Ensure any fencing or trellising is securely in place to avoid damage over the winter.
Mulch your garden with a layer of compost, chopped leaves, straw or wood chips. A 3 to 4 inch layer of mulch will help insulate plant roots from alternating freezing and thawing of the soil over winter. The mulch will also help prevent soil erosion and compaction from heavy rains.
When your fall garden cleanup is complete, you can sit back and enjoy the satisfaction that your outdoor space will be protected over the coming winter months. Come spring, you’ll be ready to start fresh for a new growing season.
