As summer lingers in Northern Ohio into October, my garden continues flourishing under the late-season sun. But I know summer's end is near. Looking back on this season, I let many tomatoes fall to the ground, allowing them to enrich the soil naturally. This resulted in an overwhelming bounty—more tomatoes than I could ever use. I made salsas, whipped up bruschetta, and shared with family and friends, yet there was still an excess. I've started clearing them out, preparing for the cooler days ahead, with temperatures expected to drop into the 60s.

As I clear up the garden, pulling weeds becomes part of the ritual, ensuring that everything unwanted goes while what remains can thrive come spring. I firmly believe in composting, so the tomato plants find their way into the compost pile, enriching future soils, while the weeds are relegated to green waste disposal bags.

For those curious about composting or looking to refine their techniques, consider exploring some tips we've gathered. These insights are designed to help you maintain a productive compost pile year-round, regardless of the climate.

When autumn arrives, it's an ideal time to prepare your garden for the colder months ahead. Here's a brief guide to help you get started:

Tips for Cleaning Out a Garden in the Fall

When you clean out your garden in the fall, you're not just tidying up; you're laying the groundwork for winter and paving the way for a flourishing spring. Let me walk you through a detailed guide on adequately cleaning your garden. We'll cover everything from what needs to be removed to how to dispose of garden waste, the steps to prepare your garden for the chill of winter, and the promise of the next growing season.

Deciding What to Pull Out

• Annual Plants: These plants complete their life cycle in one season, so by fall, they’ve typically reached the end of their life. Pull out all dead and dying annuals, such as marigolds, zinnias, and petunias.

• Perennials: Trim back dead or damaged stems and leaves from perennials like daylilies, hostas, and peonies, but leave about 2-3 inches of growth to protect the plant's root system. Some perennials benefit from being left intact for winter interest or providing wildlife shelter.

• Vegetable Plants: Remove any vegetable plants that are finished producing, especially if they show signs of disease or pest infestations. Plants like tomatoes, squash, and beans should be pulled to prevent overwintering pests and diseases.

• Weeds: Pull out any remaining weeds to prevent them from reseeding or spreading next spring.

• Unhealthy or Infected Plants: Identify plants with pests or diseases and dispose of them properly (avoid composting them, as this can spread issues next season).

  Options for Disposal

• Composting: Healthy plant material, grass clippings, and leaves can be composted to create nutrient-rich soil for next season. Chop extensive plant material into smaller pieces to speed up the composting process.

• Yard Waste Collection: If you have a yard waste service, bag grass clippings, leaves, and dead plants separately for collection.

• Mulching: Shred fallen leaves and grass clippings to use as mulch. Mulching in the fall helps insulate soil, retain moisture, and protect plants' root systems through winter.

• Avoiding Composting Diseased Plants: Plants infected with diseases or have pest infestations should be discarded separately and not added to your compost. Either burn them (where allowed) or put them in your yard waste bin for proper disposal.

  Preparing Your Garden for Winter

• Mulch Your Beds: Apply a thick layer (2-3 inches) of mulch, such as shredded leaves, straw, or wood chips, around the base of perennials and shrubs. This helps insulate the soil, prevent erosion, and protect roots from freezing temperatures.

• Cover Crops: Consider planting a winter cover crop like rye, clover, or wheat in empty garden beds. These crops help prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and can be tilled into the soil in the spring to add nutrients.

• Protect Delicate Plants: If you have tender perennials or plants sensitive to the cold, consider covering them with burlap or garden blankets or mulch them heavily to insulate them from frost.

• Remove Irrigation Systems: If you use soaker hoses or drip irrigation, drain the water from them to prevent freezing damage during winter.

  Getting Ready for Spring

• Tidy Garden Edges: Clear garden paths and edge your garden beds to give everything a neat look and prepare for an easier start in spring.

• Test and Amend the Soil: Fall is a great time to test your soil for nutrient levels and pH. Based on the results, add organic matter like compost or manure to improve the soil over the winter.

• Store Garden Tools: Clean and sharpen your tools before storing them for the winter. This ensures they’re in good condition and ready for use when spring arrives.

• Plan for Spring: Reflect on what worked in your garden this year and plan for next spring. Note which plants thrived and which struggled, and plan your garden layout or crop rotation for next season.

Properly cleaning out your garden in the fall will protect it from the elements and give your plants a head start for spring. This seasonal preparation can lead to healthier soil, fewer pests, and a more beautiful garden next year.