Fall Garden Checklist

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Plant or transplant shade trees & shrubs, ground covers and vines.

Be sure you get a super color tree -- buy and plant now, in the fall. Wait until the trees begin to turn before choosing your tree at the nursery.

Divide and transplant perennials.


Sow perennial or annual seeds .


Plant spring bulbs: Plant them right up until the ground freezes.
Plant your favorite bulbs now for colorful springtime blooms.

Pot bulbs for winter forcing: Bulbs such as narcissus and hyacinth work well.


Dig up tender bulbs, let cure and store for winter.


Take perennial cuttings and continue to collect and dry seeds for next season.


Prune shade trees, vines and perennials.


Fertilize lawn: Continue to mow your lawn as long as grass keeps growing, but set your lawnmower blades high. Fertilize the lawn for the final time after the last mowing.


Clean up and compost garden debris


Rake leaves: Start to rake up leaves. Till them under, compost them or use them as a winter protection for tender plants.


Protect vegetables and flowers from frost:  Keep row covers, sheets or portable cold frames at the ready.


Overwinter potted plants indoors: Place cold sensitive plants in protected areas or indoors for their dormant period.


Mulch for winter protection: After the ground freezes, add winter mulch around perennials, trees and shrubs as needed.


Wrap smooth bark trees: Wrap smooth bark trees like maples with tree tape to prevent cold damage.


Water as needed: Evergreens need at least 1 inch of water until the first frost.


Keep up with weeds. The more you remove this fall, the fewer you will have to battle in the spring.


Clean and store garden tools.


Clean and store empty pots and containers


Stock up on bird seeds and clean and prepare feeders for winter season.


Repair fences, trellises and store garden accessories.


Prepare ponds and outdoor water features for winter.


Cover or store firewood indoors for winter.


Harvest fall vegetables and herbs: Take in remaining green tomatoes for ripening indoors. Harvest and freeze herbs.

Start the clock on Christmas cacti and Poinsettias: Move to cooler temperatures (50-60ºF) and start monitoring photoperiod (13 hours of complete darkness for Christmas Cacti and 15 hours for Poinsettia). Remember that street lights, car lights and indoor lights can disrupt this sensitive period.  

Most of all -- Enjoy the Fall Season !!