Summer Garden Wrap-Up: What to Do Before Fall Planting

🌿It's hard to believe summer is winding down — but now is the perfect time to give your garden a little love before the next season rolls in.

Whether you grew tomatoes, cucumbers, zinnias, or basil, your beds have likely seen a lot of action. Before planting fall crops or letting things rest, take these simple steps to clean up and prep:

🧹 End-of-Summer Garden Prep Tips:

• Clear out spent plants. Remove any crops that are no longer producing or showing signs of disease.

• Pull stubborn weeds. Don't let them go to seed! Clearing them now saves you hassle later.

• Amend the soil. Add compost or aged manure to restore nutrients after a productive summer.

• Turn the beds. Lightly till or turn soil to loosen compacted spots and improve aeration.

• Plan for fall crops. Consider what you’ll plant next — leafy greens, garlic, or cover crops work great.

A little effort now goes a long way toward a successful fall season (or a strong start next spring!). And if you're not planting again until next year, mulching your empty beds can prevent erosion and suppress winter weeds.