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7 Fall Garden Prep Mistakes to Avoid

By stacy ling

Gardening Tips & Tricks

Avoid these 7 common fall garden prep mistakes that could ruin your spring flowers! Learn the essential steps for a thriving garden next year.

Neglecting Fall Cleanup Leaving behind diseased or pest-ridden plant debris creates a haven for these problems to overwinter and reoccur next year. Remove all spent annuals, fallen fruit, and any foliage  showing signs of disease or pest infestation. Compost only healthy plant material to avoid spreading problems.

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Not Dividing Perennials Over time, perennials can become overcrowded and  unproductive if not divided regularly. Fall is the ideal time to divide and replant many perennials which gives them ample time to establish strong root systems before winter sets in.

Fertilizing Too Late While fertilizing is essential for healthy plant growth, applying it too late in the fall can be detrimental. Stop fertilizing most plants in late summer or early fall, allowing them to harden off and prepare for dormancy.

Not Improving Soil Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels to determine if any amendments  are needed. Incorporate compost, leaf mold, or well-rotted manure to  improve soil structure and fertility. Adding a layer of mulch will help  retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect against temperature  fluctuations. 

Leaving Tender Plants Vulnerable Some tender perennials and shrubs may need extra protection. Mulch around the base of plants to insulate their roots. Wrap vulnerable  shrubs with burlap or other protective materials. Consider moving  potted plants to a sheltered location.

Pruning Plants at the Wrong Time Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs and trees in fall or early winter as this removes flower buds and sacrifices next year's blooms. Late pruning also stimulates frost-susceptible new growth, weakening the plant and delaying its spring emergence.

Neglecting Fall Lawn Care Fertilize your lawn in the fall to promote root growth, aerate to ensure  light and air reaches deep root systems, improve soil drainage, and overseed to thicken thin areas.

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Follow along to learn 8 more fall garden prep mistakes to avoid.

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