The garden is an ever-changing reflection of the seasons of the area in which we live. This means many of the tasks the garden requires of us are seasonal as well. I have personally always been a fan of to-do lists. They help keep me on track, especially in the garden where (at least for me) there are so many projects to tend, beds to weed, tools to organize, etc. that I find myself easily distracted by trying to do them all at once.
In the PNW, we are expecting the Fall rains to start rolling in next week. The late season warm weather has made some of us (ME) a little too comfortable in putting off the seasonal tasks, opting instead to continue hiking, soaking up sunshine, and even continuing to harvest berries from the garden. Spoiler: I'm working on a Red-flowering Currant recipe for the next newsletter!
With true Fall weather just around the corner though, that to-do list can't be put off too much longer. Though I trust that hiking doesn't trump chores for everyone, I know that life has a funny way of pushing some things to the back burner for all of us. Just in case you are a little behind on seasonal chores like me, I put together a quick reference list of the top ten things to get done in the garden this fall.
1. Clean Up Garden Beds
- Remove dead plants, weeds, and any debris to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering.
2. Amend the Soil
- Add compost or organic matter to enrich the soil, improving structure and fertility for spring planting.
3. Plant Fall Crops or Cover Crops
- Plant cool-season vegetables or cover crops like rye or clover to protect the soil, suppress weeds, and improve soil health.
4. Mulch Garden Beds
- Apply mulch around perennials, shrubs, and beds to insulate roots, conserve moisture, and prevent soil erosion over winter.
5. Plant Spring Bulbs and Bare-roots
- Plant bulbs and bare-roots like Avalanche Lily or Early Blue Violet in the fall so they bloom early next spring.
6. Prune Dead/Diseased Branches
- Remove dead or diseased branches from trees and shrubs to prevent damage during winter and promote healthy growth next year.
7. Divide Overgrown Perennials
- Dig up and divide overcrowded perennials like Wapato and Chocolate Lily to encourage better blooms and growth, as well as experiment with Native Foods.
8. Protect Vulnerable Plants
- Wrap tender perennials and young trees with burlap or use protective covers to shield them from harsh winter conditions.
9. Final Watering
- Deeply water trees, shrubs, and perennials before the ground freezes to ensure they are well-hydrated for winter dormancy.
10. Organize and Clean Garden Tools
- Clean, sharpen, and store garden tools properly to prolong their lifespan and ensure you’re ready for the next growing season.
Ok, now that the list is made, I've got a lot of work to do! Until next time, you can find me outside, tending to myself as much as the garden.
Kaylee is the Office and Field Manager at Native Foods Nursery, herbalist, outdoor enthusiast, and part of the Meadowsong Ecovillage at Lost Valley Education Center