Week 1: Early October — Begin the Transition
Annuals & Perennials
- Cut back annuals that have been hit by frost; leave healthy zinnias, dahlias, and cosmos until blooms fade completely.
- Begin dividing overgrown perennials like hosta, daylilies, and Shasta daisies while the soil remains warm.
- Deadhead late-blooming perennials (asters, mums) lightly to extend bloom time.
- Mark locations of perennials for spring reference before cutting them down later in the month.
Shrubs & Trees
- Water deeply before the ground cools to help roots prepare for winter.
- Check for insect damage on hydrangea, viburnum, and roses — remove diseased leaves from around the base.
- Stop fertilizing shrubs and trees; allow them to harden off naturally.
- Begin selective pruning of dead or damaged wood only (no major shaping).
Edibles & Herbs
- Harvest final tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant before first frost.
- Pull spent vegetable plants; compost only healthy material.
- Pot up parsley, thyme, or chives for bringing indoors.
- Sow cold-hardy greens (spinach, mache, arugula) under row cover or cold frame.
Lawn & Groundcovers
- Aerate and overseed bare lawn patches early in the month.
- Apply an organic fall fertilizer if not done in late September.
- Keep mowing until grass stops growing (set mower height high).
- Remove fallen branches or heavy leaf cover from lawn areas.
Containers & Bulbs
- Empty tired containers; refresh soil for spring bulbs or fall displays.
- Plant hardy mums, ornamental kale, and pansies for color.
- Begin planting spring bulbs — start with daffodils and alliums.
- Store tender bulbs (dahlia, gladiolus, cannas) once foliage blackens.
General Maintenance
- Clean and store summer garden ornaments and hoses.
- Begin raking early leaf fall and add to compost pile.
- Check garden tools for rust; start sharpening for winter storage.
Week 2: Mid-October — Peak Fall Prep
Annuals & Perennials
- Finish dividing and transplanting perennials by mid-month.
- Leave seedheads of coneflower, rudbeckia, and grasses for birds and structure.
- Cut back diseased or blackened foliage to reduce overwintering pests.
Shrubs & Trees
- Plant new deciduous shrubs and trees early this week if ground is still warm.
- Mulch around shrubs after the first light frost to maintain soil warmth.
- Collect colorful leaves for compost or mulch.
Edibles & Herbs
- Pull frost-killed annual herbs; harvest roots like horseradish and carrots.
- Mulch garlic and shallot plantings after sprouting begins.
- Store cured onions, squash, and potatoes in a cool, dark, dry space.
- Add compost to empty vegetable beds for spring enrichment.
Lawn & Groundcovers
- Continue mowing weekly to prevent matting of leaves.
- Edge garden beds before soil freezes to save time in spring.
- Re-seed any bare spots missed earlier.
Containers & Bulbs
- Continue planting tulips, crocus, and hyacinth for staggered spring bloom.
- Water all new bulb plantings thoroughly.
- Bring in tender houseplants before nighttime lows reach the 40s.
General Maintenance
- Clean birdbaths and feeders; refill for migrating species.
- Drain and store irrigation hoses before freeze risk.
- Check gutter guards and downspouts to ensure clear flow.
Week 3: Late October — The Great Clean-Up
Annuals & Perennials
- Finish cutting back perennials once foliage yellows completely.
- Compost healthy debris; dispose of any diseased material off-site.
- Stake young or newly planted perennials to protect from wind heaving.
Shrubs & Trees
- Wrap young tree trunks (especially fruit trees) with guards against rodents.
- Collect and dispose of fallen fruit to prevent pest and disease carryover.
- Water evergreens deeply before ground freezes.
- Prune roses lightly only to remove long canes that could whip in wind.
Edibles & Herbs
- Remove tomato cages and stakes; clean before storage.
- Mulch strawberries with straw after the first hard frost.
- Clean out cold frames and low tunnels; prepare for winter greens.
Lawn & Groundcovers
- Final mow before hard frost; leave grass 2.5–3″ tall.
- Rake or mulch remaining leaves into fine pieces for soil enrichment.
- Store lawn equipment once fuel is stabilized or drained.
Containers & Bulbs
- Finish planting all bulbs by Halloween.
- Empty remaining pots; store terracotta indoors or upside down.
- Protect outdoor containers with burlap or move to a sheltered spot.
General Maintenance
- Bring in garden furniture or cover securely.
- Clean and oil pruning tools and shears.
- Label garden beds and perennials for spring identification.
Week 4: End of October — Tuck the Garden In
Annuals & Perennials
- Cover any marginally hardy perennials (like lavender or rosemary) with mulch or evergreen boughs.
- Apply winter mulch once soil temperatures drop below 50°F.
- Record plant performance in your garden journal for spring planning.
Shrubs & Trees
- Mulch base of hydrangeas and roses 6–8″ deep for insulation.
- Tie loose shrubs with twine or burlap to protect from snow load.
- Finish wrapping young evergreens if deer are an issue.
Edibles & Herbs
- Turn compost one last time before it freezes.
- Collect soil samples for winter testing if needed.
- Store garden stakes and row covers for next season.
Lawn & Groundcovers
- Apply final winterizing fertilizer if lawn is still green.
- Clear debris from garden paths and driveways before freeze.
- Mark driveway and bed edges for snow removal visibility.
Containers & Bulbs
- Check stored bulbs and tubers for rot.
- Keep potted bulbs in a cool (35–45°F), dark place for chilling.
- Bring in decorative containers for winter arrangements.
General Maintenance
- Disconnect outdoor faucets and insulate spigots.
- Sweep patios and decks; store cushions and decor.
- Review garden notes; plan bulb and seed orders for spring.
