Fall Garden Cleanup Checklist for True Blue Nursery

1. Leaf Removal:
   • Given the mix of deciduous trees in the area, a substantial leaf fall is expected. Collect and compost these leaves, making sure to set aside those from diseased plants.
2. Perennials:
   • Following the initial frost, trim back dead foliage to reduce pest attraction.
   • Segment and relocate perennials that seem overly expansive or have diminished in vitality.
   • Use markers to pinpoint the spots of perennials, facilitating smoother springtime gardening.
3. Annuals:
   • Once affected by the frost, remove and compost the remains of thriving annuals.
4. Lawn Care:
   • Continue mowing operations until the grass starts to show signs of dormancy.
   • Use a fall-specific fertilizer to nurture grassroots.
   • Should certain sections of the lawn appear compacted, consider aeration.
5. Trees & Shrubs:
   • Cut away any dead or weakened branches, reserving comprehensive pruning for late winter.
   • Ensure young or recently positioned trees and shrubs are watered thoroughly until the ground becomes frost-bound.
6. Bulbs:
   • The fall months are ideal for planting bulbs set to bloom in spring.
   • After the season’s first frost, unearth and store bulbs not adapted to winter’s chill.
7. Vegetable Garden:
   • Harvest any remaining produce before the onset of heavier frosts.
   • Clear away plant detritus to thwart pests and diseases.
   • Now is an opportune moment to sow garlic, looking forward to a summer harvest.
8. Garden Tools & Equipment:
   • Clean, hone, and safely store garden tools.
   • Undertake end-of-season servicing for power equipment, ensuring it’s ready for subsequent seasons.
9. Compost:
   • Rotate and layer the compost heap, adding the season’s collected leaves.
10. Mulching:
    • As the colder part of fall approaches, shield perennial beds with insulative mulch, like straw or broken-down leaves, to protect plant roots from fluctuating freeze-thaw cycles.
11. Garden Structures:
    • Check and reinforce structures like raised beds, trellises, and barriers, making them resilient for winter.
12. Water Features:
    • Turn off and store water pumps, ensuring protection of other water structures from freezing temperatures.
13. Protection:
    • Use protective gear like burlap to envelop susceptible or young trees and shrubs, bolstering their resilience against winter’s elements.
14. Planning for Next Year:
    • Reflect on this year’s gardening efforts, highlighting successes and noting areas for potential improvement. Embark on preparations for the coming spring.

When planning garden activities, it’s always beneficial to tap into the expertise available at True Blue Nursery.