The big picture: What you do in fall determines how healthy your garden will be in spring. Skip it, and you risk dead lawns, tangled weeds, and lost blooms.
Early Fall (September to mid-October)
Clear debris: Remove fallen leaves, dead plants, and weeds. Prevents mats that smother spring growth.
Start composting: Collect plant debris for compost. By spring, it will be ready to enrich your soil.
Plant bulbs: Tulips, daffodils, irises – plant before hard freezes so roots can establish.
Mid-Fall (mid-October to early November)
Cut back perennials: Trim plants to stimulate healthy winter growth.
Mow grass: Aim for 2–2.5 inches. Too short = freeze damage. Too long = matting and disease.
Water deeply: Give lawn and garden a last thorough soak to build moisture reserves for winter.
Late Fall (November to first frost)
Mulch and cover: Apply a thick layer of mulch or compost to protect roots. Cover fragile plants with breathable fabric.
Check winter vegetables: Plant garlic, kale, asparagus, or other hardy crops for early spring harvest.
Prune shrubs and shape hedges: Hardy shrubs like Boxwood benefit from shaping before snow.
Winter Bloom & Color
Even in cold months, your garden can shine:
Winter bloomers: Camellia, witch hazel, Christmas rose, Kaffir lily
Berry-bearing shrubs: Adds color when most trees are bare.
Shrub Hints
Many varieties of shrub are also hardy enough to endure the winter weather.
The Boxwood is famous for being easily shapeable and creating unique garden outlines.
Why it matters: Prepping in fall reduces spring workload, strengthens soil, and protects plants. A few hours now translates to a thriving, colorful garden later.
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Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.