Fall Gardening Checklist for Beginners

Fall Gardening Checklist

Fall is your garden's time to shine. As a beginner, you might think gardening winds down when summer ends - but you'd be missing out. This season is perfect for setting up a thriving garden next year.

This checklist is your roadmap. It breaks down fall gardening into manageable tasks, so you won't feel overwhelmed. Remember, you don't have to do everything at once. Pick what works for your space and schedule.

The items listed are accompanied by affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if a purchase is made through my links. This has no impact on the cost to the consumer. I link to products this way whenever possible, and it has no bearing on the products I choose to review or recommend.

Early Fall (Late August to September)

1. Plan your fall garden

   • Research plants suitable for your zone and fall growing conditions

   • Decide which areas of your garden to focus on

2. Clean up summer garden beds

   • Remove dead or diseased plants

   • Pull out finished annual vegetables and flowers

3. Prepare soil for fall planting

   • Add compost or well-rotted manure to beds

   • Turn over soil to a depth of 8-12 inches

4. Plant fall vegetables

   • Sow seeds or transplant seedlings of cool-season crops like broccoli, kale, and lettuce

5. Plant spring-flowering bulbs

   • Choose a variety of tulips, daffodils, and crocuses

   • Plant in well-draining soil at proper depth

6. Divide and transplant perennials

   • Separate overgrown perennials like hostas and daylilies

   • Replant divisions immediately

7. Collect and save seeds from favorite plants

   • Choose mature, dry seeds

   • Store in a cool, dry place

   • Here’s a step by step guide to storing seeds

8. Start a compost pile or bin

   • Layer green materials (fresh clippings) with brown materials (dry leaves)

   • Keep pile moist but not wet

---

“There is always work to be done in the garden.”

Mid Fall (October)

1. Continue harvesting late-season vegetables

   • Pick remaining tomatoes, peppers, and squash before first frost

2. Plant garlic and shallots

   • Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil

   • Plant cloves 4-6 inches apart and 2 inches deep

3. Rake and collect fallen leaves

   • Use leaves for mulch or add to compost pile

   • Keep some leaves for winter mulching

4. Protect tender plants from frost

   • Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area

   • Cover outdoor plants with frost cloth or old sheets on cold nights

5. Prune trees and shrubs

   • Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches

   • Shape deciduous trees and shrubs after leaves have fallen

6. Clean and sharpen garden tools

   • Remove dirt and rust

   • Sharpen blades and oil wooden handles

7. Winterize irrigation systems

   • Drain and blow out sprinkler systems

   • Disconnect and store hoses

8. Test soil pH and amend if necessary

   • Collect soil samples from different areas of your garden

   • Add lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower pH based on test results

---

Late Fall (November to Early December)

1. Apply winter mulch

   • Wait until after first hard frost

   • Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around perennials and shrubs

2. Plant trees and shrubs

   • Take advantage of fall sales at nurseries

   • Water deeply after planting and until ground freezes

3. Clean up remaining debris

   • Remove any diseased plant material

   • Leave some seed heads for birds and winter interest

4. Protect young trees and shrubs

   • Wrap trunks with tree wrap to prevent sun scald and animal damage

   • Use burlap screens for wind protection if needed

5. Empty and clean bird feeders

   • Wash feeders with a mild bleach solution

   • Refill with fresh seed for winter birds

6. Store tender bulbs and tubers

   • Dig up dahlias, gladioli, and cannas after first frost

   • Clean, dry, and store in a cool, dark place

7. Drain and store power equipment

   • Run lawn mower and other gas-powered tools until fuel is depleted

   • Clean and store in a dry place

8. Review your garden journal

   • Note successes and challenges from the past season

   • Make plans and wish lists for next year's garden

9. Cover compost pile

   • Use a tarp or thick layer of straw to insulate

   • This will help decomposition continue through winter

Remember, exact timing may vary depending on your specific climate and local weather conditions. Always check your local frost dates and adjust your gardening activities accordingly.

You've got this. Each task you tackle on this list is a step towards a healthier, more vibrant garden. Don't sweat it if you didn't get to everything - gardening is a journey, not a race.

What matters most is that you're out there, getting your hands dirty and learning. Every season brings new challenges and rewards. Fall is your chance to set the stage for an amazing spring, all while enjoying the unique beauty of autumn in your garden.