The Ultimate Checklist For Fall Yard Clean-Up

The image shows a person using a rake to pile leaves in an outdoor field during the fall season.

A complete fall yard clean-up involves clearing out annuals and weeds, composting, planting vegetables, dividing and transplanting perennials, cutting back perennials, protecting sensitive plants, preparing the lawn, planting spring bulbs, tidying up the edges, and much more!

Taking the proper steps in a yard clean-up in the fall helps you achieve a vibrant, healthy garden that will thrive in spring. Check out the tips gathered in our guide to learn when and how to successfully transition your garden into fall.

When To Clean Up The Garden In The Fall?

It depends on the chore you need to do. In early to mid-fall, you can harvest any remaining crops, remove dead or diseased plants, and rake leaves to prevent mold. A few weeks later in the season, you should cut back perennials, compost healthy plant material, and apply mulch to protect the soil.

During this time, plant spring bulbs and protect sensitive plants. And when winter is about to set in, give your lawn a final mow, and clean and store your garden tools. Remember you need to adjust these tasks based on the specific climate of the place you live.

How To Clean Up A Garden In Fall?

To prepare your garden for fall, you must clear out annuals and weeds, compost and mulch, plant fall vegetables, divide and transplant perennials, cut back perennial flowers, protect sensitive plants, prepare the lawn, plant spring bulbs, tidy up the edges, clean and store tools, winterize water features, add organic matter, prune shrubs and trees, harvest and store crops, plan next year's garden, and create wildlife habitat.

Although it might seem like too much, the detailed fall clean-up checklist below will show you how simple each task is. Continue reading to discover!

Clear out annuals and weeds to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering.
Spread compost to nourish the soil and add mulch to retain moisture and protect plant roots. Plus, find out how to make compost tea here!
Plant fall vegetables like kale, spinach, and carrots.
Divide and transplant perennials to help them establish roots before winter.
Trim back perennials, leaving a few seed heads for winter interest.
Gather seeds from your favorite plants to sow next year.
Cover tender plants with burlap or frost cloth to shield them from early frosts and harsh winds.
Aerate your lawn to fix compacted soil in the lawn and reseed any bare patches.
Plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses.
Clean up the borders of your garden beds by edging them to prevent grass from encroaching.
Clean, sharpen, and oil your gardening tools before storing them for winter.
Drain and clean water features to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
Enrich your soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure.
Prune dead or diseased branches from shrubs and trees.
Store your summer crops for winter use.
Take notes of this year's successes and challenges to plan next year's garden.
Leave some fallen leaves and plant debris to create habitats for overwintering wildlife.