As the dog days of summer begin to wane, it’s time to start preparing your landscape for fall. Transitioning from summer’s lush greens and blooming flowers to the rich hues of autumn is not just about aesthetics—it’s about ensuring your garden thrives well into the cooler months. Here’s how to smoothly shift and set your garden up for success this fall.

Clean Up and Clear Out
Before you start planning for fall, it’s important to tidy up your garden. Remove any dead or diseased plants, spent annuals, and fallen leaves. This cleanup helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden, giving your fall plants a healthier growing environment.

Refresh Your Soil
Summer can take a toll on your garden soil, depleting it of essential nutrients. Replenish your soil by adding compost or soil conditioner. This not only improves the soil structure but also provides the nutrients your fall plants will need to thrive.

Plan and Plant Fall Crops
Fall is an excellent time to grow cool-season vegetables like kale, spinach, and carrots. These crops love the cooler temperatures and shorter days. If you’re planting flowers, consider adding some of our seasonal favorites: mums, pansies, and asters, which bring vibrant color to your garden as summer blooms fade.

Divide Perennials
Early fall is an ideal time to divide your spring and summer-blooming perennials. As the growing season winds down, it’s important to separate any overgrown plants that have outgrown their space. Dividing these perennials not only rejuvenates them but also prevents overcrowding, ensuring healthier growth and more vibrant blooms in the coming seasons. Watch our video on dividing perennials [here].

Transition Your Containers
Don’t forget about your container gardens! As summer plants fade, replace them with fall-friendly varieties like ornamental cabbage, pansies, coral bell, or other fall annuals. These hardy plants will keep your containers looking vibrant well into the cooler months.

Prepare for Next Spring
Fall is also the time to start thinking ahead. Plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses before the ground freezes. This way, you’ll be greeted with a burst of color when the snow melts and spring arrives.

Water Wisely
While fall usually brings more rain, it’s important to continue watering your garden, especially during dry spells. Ensure your plants get at least an inch of water weekly to help them establish strong roots before winter sets in. This is especially important for evergreens. Watch our video on watering [here].

Compost
As you clean up your garden beds, consider starting or adding to your compost pile. Grass clippings and spent plants can be composted as well as a small portion of your fallen leaves, turning garden waste into valuable nutrient-rich compost for next year. Make sure you don’t add too thick a layer of leaves on your compost pile.

Enjoy the Harvest
Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Harvest the last of your summer vegetables, and savor the season’s flavors. If you’ve planted fall crops, look forward to fresh produce well into the cooler months.

Transitioning your garden from summer to fall is about thoughtful planning and preparation. Follow these tips and you’ll not only maintain the beauty of your garden but also ensure it’s healthy and ready to flourish come spring.