1. Remove Spent and Diseased Plants 

Keep your garden beds healthy by limiting the spread of plant diseases and pests. Pull out dead summer annuals and carefully prune away diseased foliage. Avoid composting diseased plant matter. Instead, dispose of it in the trash to prevent pathogens from spreading in your soil.

2. Pull Weeds Before They Spread Seed 

Weeding is an ongoing job, but fall weeding is especially critical. Many weeds drop seed heads in late summer and early autumn. Clear out existing weeds now so they don't germinate in early spring or compete with your fall plantings for nutrients. 

3. Refresh Mulch Around Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials 

Mulch insulates plant roots from freeze-thaw cycles, suppresses late-season weeds, and helps the soil retain moisture. Apply a fresh 2- to 3-inch layer around trees, shrubs, and perennial beds. Be careful not to "volcano mulch" by keeping mulch a few inches away from trunk bases and plant stems to prevent rot. 

Pro Tip: Use falling leaves as a natural, free mulch! Shredded autumn leaves nourish soil earthworms, suppress weeds, and retain moisture. Check out our guide to composting and using leaves as mulch. 

4. Improve Your Soil with Organic Compost 

Prepping your soil now will save you valuable time next spring. Gently loosen cleared garden beds and top them with a 1- to 2-inch layer of finished compost or organic matter. This protective layer cushions the exposed topsoil against harsh winter wind and rain while building nutrient-rich soil structure over the winter. Read our step-by-step guide on preparing garden soil in fall for spring planting.

5. Plan and Execute Your Fall Planting 

Fall is one of the absolute best times to plant! Autumn's cool air and warm soil temperatures encourage strong root growth without the stress of summer heat. Consider adding new plants to your garden with these helpful resources: 

• Guide to Fall Vegetable Gardening and Heat Tolerant Crops  
• Planting Bulbs in Fall 
• Tree and Shrub Guide 

6. Divide Overgrown Perennials 

A key autumn gardening task for perennial maintenance is dividing crowded spring- and summer-blooming perennials (such as hostas, daylilies, and irises). Dig up overgrown clumps, split them into smaller sections, and replant them. Doing this encourages stronger root expansion, improves air circulation, and gives you free plants to expand your garden beds! 

7. Continue Watering Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials 

Many gardeners stop watering once the weather cools down, but woody plants and new installations still need hydration until the ground freezes. Keep watering trees and shrubs regularly throughout the fall to maintain their vitality and prevent root desiccation during cold, dry winter winds.

8. Bring Tender and Tropical Plants Indoors 

Not all landscape plants can survive frost and freezing temperatures. Before night temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), bring tropical potted plants, succulents, and tender perennials indoors. Check for pests before bringing them inside and place them near bright windows. Learn more in our guide to overwintering houseplants indoors.

9. Clean, Sharpen, and Store Garden Tools 

Your tools work hard all season long, and proper maintenance extends their lifespan. Wipe down metal blades, wash away dried dirt, sharpen dull edges, and oil wooden handles. Storing clean, dry tools in a shed or garage prevents rust, saves money on replacements, and ensures you're ready to hit the ground running in spring. 

10. Order Spring Bulbs and Create Next Year’s Garden Plan 

Fall is the ideal time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and alliums. Order early from nurseries to secure your favorite varieties before stock runs out. 

While you wrap up your fall garden care, take notes on what worked well this year and what didn't. Use the quiet winter months to map out new garden designs, research native plant options, and order seeds for the coming year!