Prep Your Garden for a Bountiful Spring
As summer winds down and cooler temperatures begin to settle in, it can be tempting to put the gardening tools away and wait for spring. But fall is actually one of the most important times to prepare your landscape for the growing season ahead. A little work now can make a big difference next spring. From planting spring-blooming bulbs to improving your soil and protecting your perennials, fall gives your garden time to rest, establish roots, and prepare for a fresh start. At Brady Nursery, we believe a beautiful spring garden begins with what you do in the fall.
Plant Spring-Blooming Bulbs
If you want to welcome spring with colorful tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, and other early blooms, fall is the time to plant. Spring-flowering bulbs need a period of cold temperatures to complete their natural growth cycle and produce flowers when the weather warms up. Planting them in the fall gives bulbs time to establish roots before the ground freezes.
Brady Nursery has only #1 high-quality bulbs. Choose healthy, firm bulbs and plant them according to the recommended depth and spacing for each variety. For the best visual impact, consider planting bulbs in groups or clusters rather than scattering them individually throughout your garden. And don't be afraid to think beyond traditional flower beds. Bulbs can add early-season color around trees, along walkways or tucked among established perennials.
Give Your Soil Some Attention
Healthy plants start with healthy soil. Fall is an excellent time to evaluate your garden beds and make improvements before the next growing season. Adding compost or other organic matter can help improve soil structure, drainage and nutrient availability. A soil test can also help you understand what your landscape may be missing and whether amendments are needed. Working on your soil in the fall means those improvements have time to integrate before plants begin actively growing again in spring. Think of it as setting the table before the guests arrive. Your plants will be ready to grow, and your soil will be ready to support them.
Clean Up, But Don't Overdo It
Fall cleanup is important, but a completely spotless garden isn't always the goal.
- Remove diseased or heavily damaged plant material and clear away debris that could harbor pests or disease.
- Pull annuals that have finished blooming and remove weeds before they have a chance to establish themselves over the winter.
At the same time, consider leaving some healthy perennial stems and seed heads in place. They can provide winter interest and food or shelter for birds and beneficial insects. If you're unsure what should be cut back and what can remain, do a little research on each plant before reaching for the pruners. Some plants benefit from a fall trim, while others are better left standing until late winter or early spring.
Plant Trees and Shrubs
‘Fall is for planting’ is not just a slogan; it is a way of life for the Brady Nursery family. Fall isn't just for bulbs. It's also a great time to plant many trees and shrubs. Cooler air temperatures combined with warmer soil can create favorable conditions for root establishment. With less stress from summer heat, newly planted trees and shrubs can focus their energy on developing strong root systems before winter. When planting, give your new additions plenty of room to grow and make sure they're planted at the proper depth. Water thoroughly after planting and continue watering as needed throughout the fall and winter, especially if rainfall is limited. Remember: A tree or shrub may look quiet above ground during the colder months, but its roots are still working to get established.
Don't Forget to Water
One of the biggest mistakes gardeners can make in the fall is assuming plants don't need water once summer is over. Trees, shrubs and newly planted perennials still need adequate moisture as they prepare for winter. Plants that enter winter already stressed by dry soil may be more vulnerable to cold temperatures and winter damage. Pay particular attention to newly planted trees and shrubs. Continue watering until the ground freezes deeply, adjusting based on rainfall and temperatures. A good soaking is generally more beneficial than frequent, shallow watering. The goal is to encourage moisture deeper into the soil where roots can access it. New and younger plants need to be watered every two weeks during November and December.
Add a Layer of Mulch
Once the soil has cooled, adding mulch around trees, shrubs and garden beds can provide an extra layer of protection. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture and reduce competition from weeds. It can also help protect plant roots from extreme temperature fluctuations during the winter. Apply mulch in an even layer, but avoid piling it directly against tree trunks or plant stems. That familiar “mulch volcano” may look tidy, but it can create conditions that encourage pest and disease problems. A few inches of properly applied mulch can go a long way toward helping your landscape make it through winter.
Think Ahead About Next Year's Garden
Fall is the perfect time to start planning changes for next year, whether that means adding new perennial beds, replacing underperforming plants, or creating a completely new garden area. You can also use the fall to research plants that you'd like to add in spring. Knowing what you want ahead of time makes it easier to create a cohesive plan rather than making decisions on the fly. Fall is also a great time to take notes. Take pictures and jot down ideas while everything is still fresh in your mind.
- Which plants performed well this year? Which struggled?
- Were there areas of your landscape that received too much sun, too much shade or not enough water?
- Did you wish you had more color in a particular season?
Your Spring Garden Starts Now
The arrival of fall doesn't mean your gardening season is over. In many ways, it's an opportunity to get a head start on the season to come. A bountiful spring garden doesn't happen by accident. It starts with thoughtful preparation, and fall is the perfect time to begin. Brady Nursery can help with landscape design and installation. So before you put away your gardening gloves for the season, take one more look around your landscape. There may be a little work left to do, but the reward will come when the first warm days of spring arrive and your garden is ready to grow.