Fall Garden Checklist: Preparing for Winter

Fall is the season that sets up next year’s garden, and the work you do now pays off in spring. A simple checklist turns the transition from a scramble into a smooth shutdown.

The priorities are cleaning up spent plants, protecting the soil, and planting any fall crops before frost. Each task improves the garden’s odds next season.

• Remove spent plants to reduce pests and disease
• Add compost or mulch to protect the soil
• Plant garlic and cover crops before frost
• Clean and store tools for the winter

Work through the list over a few weekends rather than rushing at the first frost.