Fall is not the end of the gardening year—it’s the beginning of next season’s success. While your plants may be slowing down, the soil is still active, the roots are still breathing, and your garden is quietly preparing for renewal.
As someone who learned the hard way by skipping fall prep (and paid for it with a garden full of weeds and compacted soil in spring), trust me—you can’t ignore fall garden tasks.
Let’s dive into the 8 most important actions you need to take before winter sets in.
1. Fall Cleanup: Take Care of Garden Tools
Before you do anything else, give your tools some love.
- Wash off dirt and sap.
- Sharpen blades and oil hinges.
- Store them in a dry place to avoid rust.
Proper fall cleanup: take care of garden tools not only extends their life but saves you the hassle of replacements come spring.
Pro Tip: Wipe metal tools with a bit of vegetable oil after cleaning. It’s cheap and effective against rust!
2. Feed Your Soil
Spring flowers begin with fall preparation.
This is the time to feed your soil with:
- Aged compost
- Organic matter like shredded leaves
- Cover crops (green manure)
Fall is ideal because soil microbes are still active, and they’ll work through winter breaking down nutrients. Trust me—your plants will thank you for it next season.
3. Fall Planting Isn’t Just for Spring Bloomers
Yes, you can still plant in fall! Some of the best fall planting options include:
- Garlic
- Onions
- Spring bulbs (like tulips and daffodils)
- Perennials
The soil is still warm, which helps root development. Plus, planting now helps reduce spring workload.
If you’ve never tried fall bulb planting, you’re missing out on the joy of effortless spring color.
Also Read: Nature’s Sleeping Pills: 10 Plants That Calm Your Mind at Night
4. Prune Selectively (Don’t Go Overboard)
Pruning in fall is a double-edged sword. Some shrubs benefit from trimming, while others can get stressed if pruned too early.
Only prune:
- Dead or diseased branches
- Spent flowers
- Overlapping limbs that reduce airflow
Skip heavy pruning for spring-bloomers—they need those buds!
5. Don’t Forget Mulch
Adding mulch is one of the easiest ways to protect your garden.
Why mulch in fall?
- Insulates soil against extreme temperature drops
- Reduces erosion from heavy rain
- Suppresses winter weeds
Use straw, shredded leaves, or bark to create a cozy winter blanket for your plants.
6. Consider Ignoring (or Enjoying) the Fall Leaves
Here’s an idea—stop raking like a maniac and start rethinking your leaf piles.
Ignoring (or enjoying) the fall leaves on your lawn and in your garden has hidden benefits:
- Leaves provide shelter for beneficial insects
- Decomposing leaves add nutrients to soil
- Leaf mulch retains moisture and reduces erosion
Instead of bagging them, shred and use as mulch. Your soil will improve without spending a penny.
7. Prep Your Raised Beds
Raised beds need extra care before winter:
- Remove spent plants and roots
- Add compost or well-rotted manure
- Rake smooth and cover with mulch or a tarp
This helps retain nutrients and structure. I like to top off mine with a thin compost layer and leaf mulch. Come spring, the bed practically plants itself.
8. Final Watering and Draining
Give your plants a deep final drink before the first hard freeze. After that:
- Disconnect and drain hoses
- Store irrigation timers and nozzles
- Blow out drip systems (if you have them)
This task often gets forgotten, and burst pipes or cracked hoses can be expensive to replace. End your fall season responsibly!
Also Read: Build a Pollinator Paradise: 10 Nectar-Rich Plants That Bring Gardens to Life
Fall Gardening Essentials Checklist
| Task | Why It Matters |
| Fall cleanup: take care of garden tools | Prevents rust and tool damage |
| Feed your soil | Boosts spring growth potential |
| Fall planting | Establishes roots before winter |
| Prune selectively | Encourages healthy structure |
| Add mulch | Protects against cold and erosion |
| Enjoy fall leaves | Supports soil and wildlife health |
| Prep raised beds | Saves time in spring |
| Drain systems | Prevents winter damage |
A Leafy Revelation
Last year, I skipped raking part of my backyard. I expected a mess come spring. But to my surprise, my soil was richer, and worms had turned those leaves into gold. Now, I leave about 30% of my garden leaf-covered and have fewer weeds and healthier beds.
Sometimes doing less really does more.
Make Fall Count
These gardening tips and tricks for the fall season aren’t optional—they’re essential. Whether it’s fall cleanup: take care of garden tools, planting bulbs, or choosing to feed your soil, the little tasks you handle now mean fewer headaches and better blooms later.
So grab your gloves, embrace the crisp air, and knock these off your list. Your future garden will thank you.
Want more seasonal guides and garden inspiration? Check out our other blogs on the Toronto Garden Book !
