Your Fall Garden Checklist: What to Do Before Winter Arrives

Fall is one of the most productive times of year in the garden. Cooler temperatures make outdoor work more comfortable, newly planted trees and shrubs can begin establishing roots, and a little attention now can make a noticeable difference next spring.

Whether you are wrapping up the vegetable garden, planting for next year or simply getting the landscape ready for colder weather, use this fall checklist to make sure the important jobs do not get overlooked.

Keep Planting While Conditions Are Good

Fall can be an excellent time to plant many trees, shrubs and perennials. The soil generally stays warmer than the air, giving roots time to begin establishing before winter while cooler temperatures reduce stress on new plants.

Continue watering new plantings as needed, especially during dry stretches. Even after top growth slows, roots still need moisture.

If you have been thinking about filling an empty space in the landscape, improving your foundation plantings or adding more fall color, there may still be plenty of time to get started.

Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs

Tulips, daffodils, crocus, alliums and other spring-flowering bulbs go into the ground in fall.

Planting them now gives bulbs the cold period they need before producing flowers next spring. Consider planting bulbs in groups or drifts rather than one at a time for a stronger display.

It is one of those garden jobs that requires a little patience now but pays off when the first flowers begin appearing after winter.

Watch the Weather for Frost

As nighttime temperatures begin dropping, keep an eye on the forecast.

Tender annuals, tropical plants, herbs and container plants may need protection when frost is expected. Bring sensitive plants indoors when appropriate, move containers to a protected location or cover tender plants overnight with frost cloth or a lightweight sheet.

Do not wait until the first cold evening to decide which plants you want to save.

Bring Houseplants and Tropical Plants Indoors Carefully

Before moving plants back inside, inspect leaves, stems and soil for insects.

Remove dead foliage, rinse plants when appropriate and isolate questionable plants for a short period before placing them near the rest of your indoor collection.

Taking a few precautions now can help prevent outdoor pests from becoming indoor problems later.

Clean Up — But Not Too Much

Fall cleanup does not have to mean removing every leaf and cutting every plant to the ground.

Remove diseased foliage, damaged stems and heavily matted debris. However, leaving some seed heads and healthy plant material standing can provide winter interest and valuable habitat for birds and beneficial insects.

A slightly less tidy garden can actually be a healthier garden.

Keep Watering When Nature Does Not

Do not put the hose away simply because temperatures are cooler.

Recently planted trees, shrubs and perennials still need consistent moisture until the ground begins to freeze. Established evergreens can also benefit from adequate moisture heading into winter, particularly during a dry fall.

Deep, occasional watering is generally more helpful than frequent shallow watering.

Take a Fresh Look at Your Containers

Remove tired summer annuals and replace them with cool-season plants or seasonal accents.

Mums, pansies, ornamental kale, grasses, evergreen cuttings and decorative branches can extend the life of containers well into fall.

Also think ahead about the pots themselves. Some containers are more vulnerable to cracking during repeated freezing and thawing. Move sensitive pots to a protected location before hard freezes arrive.

Manage Leaves Thoughtfully

Leaves are a useful garden resource.

Instead of automatically bagging everything, consider mowing leaves into the lawn when the layer is light, adding shredded leaves to compost or using them as mulch in garden beds.

Avoid allowing thick layers of wet leaves to sit on the lawn for extended periods, where they can block light and trap moisture.

Make Notes While the Season Is Fresh in Your Mind

Before everything disappears for winter, take a walk around the garden.

Which plants performed especially well? Where did you wish you had more color? Which areas stayed too wet, too dry or too shady?

A few notes or photos taken now can make next year’s garden planning much easier.

Prepare for Spring Without Rushing Fall

Not every garden task needs to happen immediately.

Some perennials and ornamental grasses can remain standing through winter. Major pruning of many shrubs is often better postponed until the proper season. And there is no need to make the landscape completely spotless before cold weather arrives.

The goal is to prepare the garden, not erase it.

Visit Bru-Mar Gardens for Fall Gardening Help

If you still have planting, decorating or winter-preparation projects on your list, stop by Bru-Mar Gardens. Fall is a good time to ask questions, look for plants that can still go into the landscape and find what you need to finish the gardening season well.

Not sure what should be planted, protected, brought indoors or left alone? Bring your questions with you. The Bru-Mar team can help you decide what makes sense for your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it too late to plant in fall?

Not necessarily. Trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs can often be planted well into fall as long as the ground is workable and plants can be watered properly. The best timing depends on the plant and weather conditions.

Should I cut back all of my perennials now?

No. Healthy stems and seed heads can provide winter interest and habitat for wildlife. Remove diseased material, but many plants can remain standing until late winter or early spring.

Do I still need to water plants in fall?

Yes, especially newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials. Plants entering winter well hydrated are generally better prepared for cold and drying winter conditions.

Should I remove all fallen leaves?

Not always. Shredded leaves can be used in garden beds, composted or mulched into the lawn when the layer is light. Thick, wet layers should not be left covering turf.

When should tropical plants come indoors?

Bring tender tropicals and houseplants indoors before temperatures fall low enough to damage them. Inspect and clean plants first so you do not bring unwanted insects inside.

What can I still do in the garden before winter?

Depending on the weather, you may still be able to plant, water, add bulbs, refresh containers, manage leaves, protect tender plants and make notes for next year’s garden.