Autumn Garden
Maintenance

Autumn marks the transition from the growing season to the dormant season. Taking care of a few tasks in the garden is important for maintaining plant health and preparing for the winter months in the Pacific Northwest. By addressing these fall tasks, gardeners contribute to the overall health of plants and ensure a more robust and vibrant garden in the upcoming growing season.

This proactive approach not only conserves resources like water and nutrients but also saves time and effort in the spring, allowing gardeners to focus on nurturing their plants rather than dealing with the aftermath of neglect. Here are some top tasks to consider for your garden in autumn.

FALL GARDENING TASKS

CLEAN UP

Removing spent plant material and fallen leaves helps prevent the overwintering of diseases and pests. Many pathogens and pests can survive in plant debris, and cleaning up the garden reduces the risk of infestations in the following growing season.
PRUNING

Pruning dead or diseased branches and cutting back spent vegetation promotes overall plant health. This reduces the risk of diseases spreading, allows plants to allocate resources more efficiently, and encourages vigorous growth in the next season.
MULCHING

Insulating plants with mulch helps protect them from temperature fluctuations during the winter. Mulch also helps prevent frost heaving, where plants are pushed out of the soil by repeated freezing and thawing.
PLANTING

Autumn is an ideal time for planting and transplanting because the soil is still warm, allowing roots to establish before winter. This gives plants a head start in the spring, leading to better growth and flowering.
LAWN CARE

Aeration and overseeding of lawns help improve soil compaction, enhance water absorption, and promote a thicker, healthier lawn. This can result in a more resilient lawn that is better able to resist pests and diseases.
WILDLIFE SUPPORT

Providing food and water for wildlife, especially birds, during the fall and winter contributes to biodiversity and ecological balance in your garden. Birds, in particular, can be beneficial for pest control.
PLANNING & REFLECTION

Taking notes on the performance of different plants, planning for the next growing season, and ordering seeds early allow you to make informed decisions for a successful garden in the future.