There are multiple tasks to get your garden beds ready for the winter months. If you are new to gardening, you will discover what works best for you and the variety of plants you grow. Fall is a great time to start cleanup up in the garden as our plants start to retire for the winter. These tasks will insure another healthy season with your beloved plants.

Get your garden ready with these simple tasks:

• Clean out planters and store out of the weather.
• Test your soil and add soil amendments such as compost.
• Divide perennials my favorite way to add more.
• Pull dahlias, clean, dry then store in a warm, dry place.
• Cut back early blooming perennials (peonies, irises, dianthus, columbine. . .etc.)
• Cut back aggressive self-seeders this will save you time in spring when they sprout.
• You can leave summer perennials that may provide winter interest & food for the birds.
• Plant Spring bulbs.
• Cut any dead limbs in shrubs & trees.
• Clean up weeds & other debris.
• Hydrate your shrubs and perennials. Give your plants a good drink of water prior to first deep freeze.
• Spread mulch.
• Clean, sharpen or replace garden tools and store for the winter.