From September through November, prep for the chilly days ahead by tackling these essential garden tasks.
Bulbs: Plant spring blooms like tulips, daffs and crocuses in late September or October.
Annuals: Clean out flower beds. Collect and store seeds. Consider growing cuttings indoors.
Perennials: Stop deadheading and trimming, but keep weeding and watering. Discard any diseased or pest-ridden bits (but not in the compost; you don’t want to spread problems through the garden). Mulch.
Vegetables: Remove plant debris, put away stakes and other accessories, then add a thick layer of compost. This is also a good time to set up new raised beds.
Lawn: Rake up fallen leaves. Seed or lay sod. Aerate. Keep on top of weeds, which love fall’s cooler temps.
Gardening gear: Clean hand tools, sharpen and oil any blades, drain hoses and gas lines, then store your gear in a safe, dry, covered space until spring.
Trees and shrubs: Replenish mulch and keep watering. Prune deciduous species after the leaves have fallen. Use tree wraps or guards to protect them from hungry deer. Plant deciduous species, but take care to stake them to protect against winter winds.
