Putting the garden to bed.
Fall is not the end—it’s preparation for a strong spring. Chapter 18 covers leaf management, final pruning, mulching for winter, tool storage, and protecting tender plants.
Fall cleanup matters. Rake leaves from lawn areas; a thick layer of wet leaves smothers grass and encourages snow mold. Leaves can be shredded and used as mulch in flower beds or added to compost. The book strongly recommends buying or renting a leaf shredder (or using a lawn mower with a bagger).
Continue watering until the ground freezes. Fall droughts are common, and plants go into winter stressed if they’re dry. A deep watering in late October (before freeze) is especially important for evergreens, which lose moisture through their leaves all winter.
Pruning in fall is limited. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches any time. But avoid heavy pruning that stimulates new growth—those tender shoots will die in winter. The authors recommend waiting until late winter or early spring for major pruning of most trees and shrubs.
Mulching for winter is different from summer mulching. Apply a 4–6 inch layer of loose mulch (straw, leaves, wood chips) over perennial beds after the ground has frozen. This “winter mulch” prevents freeze‑thaw cycles that heave plants out of the ground. Remove the mulch in spring when growth resumes.
Protect tender plants like roses, figs, and young evergreens. Mound soil or compost 12 inches high around the base of roses. Wrap fig trees in burlap and fill with leaves. Evergreens in windy sites benefit from anti‑desiccant sprays or burlap screens.
Winter maintenance is lighter but not zero. Knock heavy snow off evergreen branches to prevent breakage. Monitor for salt damage near driveways and sidewalks; consider switching to calcium chloride or sand. Store your tools indoors with a light coat of oil to prevent rust.
Finally, the chapter encourages winter planning. January is the perfect time to order seeds, sketch new beds, and dream about next year’s garden.
Fall wisdom: A well‑prepared garden sleeps soundly and wakes up hungry.
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