Fall Garden Chore Checklist

September

• Cover water gardens with a net until fall leaves stop dropping.
• Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs. Select a variety of bulbs that bloom at different times to ensure color from early spring through to early summer.
• Clean vegetable beds and plant a cover crop (alfalfa, clover).
• Remove all debris from cages and supports before storing, eliminating any insect egg casings or spores clinging to the support.
• Annuals - cut back and remove old flower stalks and fertilize to encourage one more color before the winter.

October 

• Ideal time to plant deciduous trees, shrubs, and roses.
• Cover young plants with mulch to protect crown over winter
• Leave mulch 6” from around base of newly planted trees. This protects from disease and animal damage.
• Create a compost pile. Turn dead and dying foliage, weeds, and kitchen waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Shred leaves and crush egg shells for better decomposition.

 
November

• Ornamental grasses should be left standing to protect their crown from a harsh winter.
• Cut back perennials leaving 2-3 inches of the plant's stem to help protect fresh shoots from animal damage as they first emerge in the spring (also a reminder of where plants are located).
• Leave some perennials (sedums, coneflower, black-eyed susan) standing, adding interest to the winter garden and attracting birds.

December

• Group potted plants together in a sheltered spot in the garden.
• Prune climbing roses. Remove diseased or damaged stems and tie in any new shoots to their support.
• Prune vines at this time to minimize bleeding sap.
• Hydrangea - leave the faded flower heads until spring to protect new buds from frost.