Fall is the most important time of year for gardeners. The steps you take now will protect your lawn and garden through winter and set the stage for strong growth next spring. Here’s your essential fall “must-do” checklist:

🍂 1. Rake and Reuse Leaves as Mulch

Clear leaves from lawns to prevent smothering grass. Shred them with a mower and reuse as mulch! Use a small leaf rake to help spread an even 2-3 inch layer of mulched leaves around perennials, and shrubs to insulate roots, reduce weeds, and lock in soil moisture.

🌱 2. Plant Spring-Blooming Bulbs

Nothing says spring like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. Fall is the time to tuck bulbs into cool soil. Use a quality bulb planter to get the depth just right. Read our blog on fall bulb planting to become an expert and find the right tool to help!

🌼 3. Refresh Your Mums

Chrysanthemums are fall’s showstoppers. Keep them blooming longer by deadheading spent flowers and watering consistently. In colder regions, mulch heavily or bring pots into shelter after the first frost.

🌿 4. Cut Back Perennials (Selectively)

Using pruners, cut back plants that show signs of disease (like powdery mildew) to prevent overwintering pests. Leave ornamental grasses and seed heads for winter interest and wildlife food.

🌾 5. Divide and Transplant Perennials

Hostas, daylilies, and other clumping perennials can be divided now. Cooler temps and moist soil give roots time to establish before frost. Use dedicated transplanting tools to make the job easier.

🌳 6. Prune Trees and Shrubs (Lightly)

Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Save heavy pruning for late winter or early spring.

🌱 7. Fertilize Your Lawn

Feed cool-season grasses with a fall fertilizer rich in nitrogen and potassium. This helps them store energy for strong spring growth. Plus using our Aussie EzySpray, No Pump Sprayer to apply fertilizer will help conserve your well earned energy too!

❄️ 8. Prepare for Early Frost

Keep plant protection on hand like fleece blankets, tunnels, tree covers, or old sheets to protect tender plants when temperatures suddenly dip. Cover crops, annual flowers, and late veggies on chilly nights to extend their growing season just a little longer.

🥕 9. Harvest the Last Veggies

Collect late-season crops like kale, carrots, and squash before hard frost. Consider planting a cover crop (like clover or rye) to enrich your soil over winter.

🧤 10. Clean and Store Tools

Wash, sharpen, and oil garden tools before storing them for winter. We recommend applying boiled linseed oil to protect both the steel head and wooden handle. Apply liberally, let it absorb for 15 minutes then wipe away any excess. This extends their life and ensures they’re ready when spring arrives.

🎃🍎 Bonus: Visit a Local U-Pick Farm

Fall isn’t just about chores—it’s also about celebration! Head to a nearby orchard or pumpkin patch to pick apples, pumpkins, or gourds. Not only is it a fun family tradition, but you’ll also bring home seasonal goodies for pies, décor, and carving. Plus, supporting local farms keeps your community growing strong.