The end of the main gardening season does not mean the end of the work to be done in the garden. There’s lots to do in the fall to put your garden to bed.

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, a good fall cleanup helps reduce weeds, disease, pests, and rodent infestations. It will also make your spring gardening tasks a lot easier!

In this post, we’re sharing 7 essential fall gardening tasks, along with tips on completing them as sustainably as possible. We are eco-gardeners, after all!

#1 — Clean Up (Carefully)

Start by clearing away any diseased or infested plants to prevent problems from carrying over into next year. For healthy plants, however, consider leaving some debris. Leaving a few seed heads and leaf litter provides essential food and shelter for insects, birds, and other wildlife over winter.

🍂 Eco Tip: Instead of bagging up leaves, consider shredding them and adding them as a natural mulch around your garden beds. Leaves break down over winter, returning valuable nutrients to the soil.

#2 — Amend & Enrich Your Soil

Fall is the perfect time to test your soil so you can make any amendments for the start of next season.

Along with any amendments you need to make, spread a layer of compost, well-rotted manure, or other organic material over your garden beds. These materials will slowly break down over winter, improving soil structure, adding nutrients, and boosting beneficial microorganisms.

Download our comprehensive soil health guide for more info assessing and improving your soil — along with our favorite test labs.

🍂 Eco Tip: Stick to organic soil amendments like compost and molasses to improve the health of your soil. You can also source them locally and reduce fossil fuel use from shipping.

#3 — Mulch for Winter Protection

Apply a layer of mulch over your garden beds to insulate the soil. This helps prevent soil erosion, retains moisture, and protects the roots of your perennials. For eco-gardens, natural mulches like straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves are ideal, as they break down over time and improve soil health.

🍂 Eco Tip: Avoid dyed or synthetic mulches, as they can leach chemicals into the soil. Instead, opt for natural, untreated wood chips or leaves.

#4 — Cut Back (Selective Pruning)

Some plants benefit from a good trim in the fall, while others do better when left until spring. Focus on cutting back any perennials that tend to get leggy or sprawl out. Avoid cutting back plants that offer seeds for birds, like coneflowers and sunflowers, as well as plants that provide winter shelter for beneficial insects.

🍂 Eco Tip: Avoid cutting back grasses and other hardy plants. Their structure can help prevent soil erosion and provide habitat for insects over the colder months.

#5 — Plant Bulbs

Fall is the best time to plant bulbs that will bloom in early spring. Consider planting bulbs and native wildflowers that will support local pollinators. Native species not only beautify your garden but also provide essential food sources for bees, butterflies, and other insects as soon as they emerge in spring.

🍂 Eco Tip: Choose bulbs like native bluebells, wild tulips, or crocuses, which bloom early and support pollinators just waking up from winter.

#6 — Winterize Your Watering System

Drain and store garden hoses, rain barrels, and other watering equipment to prevent freezing and cracking over winter. This is also a good time to check on your irrigation systems and repair any leaks or clogs so they’re ready to go in spring.

🍂 Eco Tip: Make sure you’re ready for wise watering come spring. Check out this blog post to learn more about sustainable watering during water scarcity.

#7 — Support Local Wildlife

As you prepare your garden for winter, consider how it can continue to support local wildlife. Leave a small brush pile, add a shallow water dish, or create a cozy spot for birds, insects, and small animals to shelter. You can also put out bird feeders filled with native seeds to support birds over winter.

🍂 Eco Tip: Don’t forget about pollinators! Consider creating a bee hotel or leaving some hollow stems and plant material in place. This provides valuable overwintering habitat for native bees and other beneficial insects.

For More Seasonal Gardening Tips…

And trackers, journal pages, and education for gardening in any season, purchase the Sweet Earth Co. Planner & Journal.

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