Fall Gardening and Yard improvements: A Homeowner's Guide

Fall is a wonderful season to enjoy cooler weather and fun gardening opportunities. It is also the time to take proactive measures to protect plants against frost and consider what you'll plant in the spring. Use this maintenance guide for areas where your garden is not under snow in the winter.

Add mulch to insulate soil

As temperatures drop, your soil will grow harder and colder, making it more difficult for plants to receive the nutrients and hydration they need to thrive. Mulch acts as an insulating layer, keeping the soil warmer and supplying key nutrients to root systems. Many plants benefit from 2 to 3 inches of mulch around plant and tree beds to give them extra protection and nourishment for the coming winter. If you're unsure if this is right for your area, check with your local nursery or hire a professional.

Tend to your perennial plants

Now is the time to split perennials and prepare them for spring. Dividing perennials in the fall can help strengthen root structure and stimulate new growth. Prune plants with dead leaves and water any new perennials. Over winter, hibernating perennials will do best in a space where the temperature is 30° to 40°F and should be watered when the temperature is above 40°. If you live on the West Coast, the winter rainy season will cover the watering for you.

Build raised garden beds for winter produce

Winter gardening can be a challenge when the soil is hard and dry. Instead of struggling to plant bulbs, you can construct raised garden beds and enjoy a much easier growing season. Use a high-quality soil mix for the types of plants you intend to grow. You can also get a head start and prep the beds for spring gardening.

Manage your leaf coverage

Some leaves break down easily and serve not only to add visual appeal but also as a great natural fertilizer. Others, like oak leaves, take much longer to degrade. Be mindful of how many leaves you let cover your soil. Consider spreading more leaves across the garden to curb weed growth and protect underlying root structures. You can use the leaves in place of mulch. You can also place shredded leaves on top of newly planted perennials to offer an added insulation layer.

Keep watering your plants

It may seem like plants are going dormant and needing less hydration, but their root systems are still active throughout the fall. If you don't live in a country region with ample autumn rain, continue to water your garden until the ground starts to freeze. Try to do this at least once a week.

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