Fall Garden Cleanup Checklist from Redwood Nursery

1. Leaf Removal:
   • Given the assortment of deciduous trees in the area, expect a substantial leaf fall. Gather and compost these leaves, but ensure leaves from diseased plants are properly discarded.
2. Perennials:
   • As the first frost sets in, trim back dead foliage to reduce pest attractions.
   • Divide and reposition perennials that seem too expansive or less lively.
   • Utilize markers to pinpoint the spots of perennials, facilitating smoother springtime gardening.
3. Annuals:
   • After they’ve succumbed to the frost, uproot and compost the remains of healthy annuals.
4. Lawn Care:
   • Persist with mowing routines until the lawn begins to show signs of dormancy.
   • Administer a fall-friendly fertilizer to nourish the grassroots.
   • Consider aeration if portions of the lawn appear compacted.
5. Trees & Shrubs:
   • Clip away any dead or fragile branches, reserving major pruning tasks for late winter.
   • Ensure younger or recently situated trees and shrubs are thoroughly watered until the soil freezes.
6. Bulbs:
   • The autumn period is ideal for embedding bulbs set to flower in spring.
   • After the initial frost, remove and store bulbs sensitive to the cold.
7. Vegetable Garden:
   • Harvest the last of the crops before intense frosts dominate.
   • Clean up plant detritus to deter potential pests and diseases.
   • Now is a suitable time to plant garlic, promising a summer harvest.
8. Garden Tools & Equipment:
   • Clean, sharpen, and safely store all gardening tools.
   • Conduct end-of-season maintenance on power equipment, ensuring it’s ready for the following season.
9. Compost:
   • Stir and layer the compost pile, mixing in the season’s fallen leaves.
10. Mulching:
    • Towards the tail end of fall, protect perennial beds with insulating mulch, such as straw or fragmented leaves, guarding against unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles.
11. Garden Structures:
    • Inspect and reinforce structures like raised beds, trellises, and fences, ensuring they’re prepared for winter.
12. Water Features:
    • Deactivate and store water pumps, taking measures to shield water features from the coming freeze.
13. Protection:
    • Use materials like burlap to shield vulnerable or young trees and shrubs, aiding their resilience through the winter months.
14. Planning for Next Year:
    • Reflect upon the year’s gardening activities, marking successes and identifying areas for potential improvement. Initiate preparations for the upcoming spring.

When embarking on seasonal garden tasks, leveraging the expertise and resources available at Redwood Nursery is always a wise approach.