Fall Chores for a Better Spring Garden

Although the growing season is over, it’s not quite time to stop gardening. Do these fall chores, and you’ll reap the benefits with a beautiful garden in the spring.

Collect dried seed heads or pods from vegetables and flowers. You can sow them over the winter or in the spring.

Cut and collect interesting dried flowers, like hydrangea, yarrow or even sunflowers. Display them on their own or incorporate them into wreaths or other arrangements.

Clean and prepare your bird feeders. You’ll enjoy a nature show all winter long.

Winterize your water garden. Get ready to turn off the pump and turn on the ice breaker. Don’t forget to cover the water garden with netting, to keep the falling leaves out.

Continue to water trees and shrubs until the ground freezes. Although they’re dormant, they still need a good drink to keep them over the winter.

Spread compost or manure on your beds to enrich their nutrients. You don’t even need to work it into the soil. Jack Frost will do that for you.

Cut back dead or diseased perennials. If you’d like winter interest, leave ornamental grasses and some seed heads intact. Then cut them back in the spring.