- Compost disease-free or frost-killed annual plant material, or work it into the garden soil to decompose before spring.
- Weed. Weeding helps keep them at bay and not getting a strong hold in the garden.
- Add compost or manures to the fall garden soil so they have time to mellow before spring planting, feeding beneficial soil microorganisms over winter.
- Mulch fallen leaves with a mower (bagger on) or a leaf sucker, so they break down more quickly. Incorporate mulched leaves into beds or compost. Leaves increase organic matter, which helps soil absorb and hold water, as well as feed soil organisms.
- Cut back perennials. If you live in a wet winter climate, cutting back in fall can help plants from staying too wet and rotting.
- Clean tools. Remove any soil left on tools with a stiff, steel-bristle brush. Remove rust by scrubbing your tools with steel wool until the signs of rust are gone. Then rub the metal and wood with mineral oil, and store in a dry area.
- Make notes. As gardeners, we’re already thinking about what to do differently next year.
- Soil test. Fall is a great time to do a soil test. Look to your local county Cooperative Extension Service, which often performs soil tests, or can advise you on a local place to submit your test.
- Store seeds in a cool, dry area. This is a good time to take inventory, creating a reorder for next year.
- Request seed catalogs!!!
For further reading got to: Essential Fall Garden Tasks
