Fall garden preparation
Prepare beds for winter and next spring by timing amendments, sowing cover crops, and protecting perennials before cold sets in.
10 min · intermediate
You will learn
- Schedule fall soil amendments for spring benefit
- Sow cover crops within the fall planting window
- Protect perennial crops and reduce disease carryover
Soil amendment timing
Fall is an excellent time to add compost, lime, or slow-release organic fertilizers because amendments have months to integrate before spring planting. Spread compost and incorporate lightly or let winter weather work it in. Test soil in fall so results guide amendment purchases over winter. Avoid heavy tillage of wet soil, which damages structure.
Cover cropping windows
Sow winter cover crops several weeks before first expected fall frost so plants establish before cold. University of Minnesota Extension cover crop guides help match species to your climate. Where winters are harsh, oats and field peas may winter-kill and leave a protective mulch. Terminate overly vigorous covers in early spring before they compete with vegetable seedlings.
Cleaning and disease reduction
University of Minnesota Extension recommends removing diseased plant material from the garden rather than composting it unless your pile reaches hot composting temperatures. Pull spent annuals and chop healthy residue into the soil or compost pile. Clear weeds before they set seed. Clean trellises and stakes to reduce carryover pests.
Mulching perennials
After several hard frosts, mulch asparagus, strawberries, and other perennial vegetables with straw or leaves. Wait until plants are dormant so mulch does not keep soil warm and encourage late growth. In marginal climates, extra mulch protects roots from freeze-thaw heaving. Remove excess mulch in spring when new growth appears.