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Find native plants, grasses, wetland favorites, and garden-ready selections for your seasonal planting projects.
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Your Fall Garden
Checklist
Autumn is more than a season for colorful leaves. It’s a chance to prepare your garden for colder months, support wildlife, and give your plants a strong start for the next growing season.
☐ Plant perennials, native plants & trees
Fall can be an excellent planting season in many areas because cooler temperatures can reduce stress while plants establish their roots. Always check your plant's recommended planting window and local frost conditions.
☐ Give new plants consistent moisture
Newly planted plants still need water while their roots establish. As temperatures cool, check the soil before watering rather than following a fixed summer schedule.
☐ Don't rush to clean everything up
Leave healthy stems, seed heads, and some fallen leaves where appropriate. They can provide winter shelter and food for birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects while also protecting plant roots.
☐ Remove diseased or pest-infested material
This is one area where cleanup matters. Remove plants or debris affected by significant disease or pests, and don't add diseased material to a typical home compost pile.
☐ Put fallen leaves to work
Instead of sending every leaf to the curb, move healthy leaves into garden beds or compost them. A moderate layer can help protect soil, retain moisture, and return organic matter to the garden. Avoid thick, compacted layers that can smother plants.
