Preparing the Garden for Winter
Hey friends! Fall is settling in here on the farm, and while the growing season is slowing down, there’s still so much we can do to set ourselves — and our gardens — up for success in the spring.
I love this time of year because it’s quiet, reflective, and a little slower-paced. It’s perfect for tidying up, protecting what’s left in the garden, and planning for next season. Even though the days are shorter, these small steps make a big difference.
Step 1: Clean Up Garden Beds
I usually start by walking through the beds with a basket, picking out any dead plants, fallen leaves, or spent annuals. It’s amazing how much tidier the garden feels afterward! Not only does this keep pests and disease away, but it also makes the space feel peaceful.
A trusty rake makes life so much easier:
Heavy-Duty Leaf Rake – I use this to collect leaves and plant debris quickly without bending over all the time.
For perennials, I trim only the dead bits and leave the healthy stems. Some of those old stems provide shelter for insects through the winter — nature’s way of helping the garden rest too.
Step 2: Protect Soil & Amend for Spring
Healthy soil now means a thriving garden come spring. I like to spread a little compost or aged manure over the beds:
Organic Compost – it keeps the soil rich and ready to go when we start planting again.
Then I add a layer of mulch to protect the roots from freeze-thaw cycles and keep moisture in:
Cedar Mulch – I love that it smells fresh and naturally helps deter pests.
I usually aim for about 2–4 inches around the perennials and vegetable beds. It’s a small step, but it pays off big next spring.
Step 3: Winterize Tools & Structures
This is my favorite part because it’s satisfying to see tools clean and organized. I sharpen everything and tuck it safely away for winter:
Garden Tool Sharpener – keeps pruners, shovels, and shears ready to go.
Heavy-Duty Tool Storage Rack – perfect for keeping the shed tidy and tools protected.
If you have raised beds, covering them with a frost cloth or row cover is a simple way to protect late-season crops:
Frost Protection Fabric – I reuse mine every year, and it’s lightweight and easy to drape over the beds.
Step 4: Plan for Next Spring
I always take a few quiet minutes in the fall to think about what worked, what didn’t, and what I want to try next year. I jot down notes, sketch new layouts, and sometimes even order seeds early so I’m ready when spring arrives:
Organic Heirloom Seed Kit- Flowers – Provides all the essentials at a great value.
Heirloom Organic Seed Bank Gift Set-Veggies-These heirloom, open-pollinated varieties have been cherished for 50 years—or even longer! There’s a good chance your parents or grandparents might have grown them in their own gardens. When stored in a cool, dry spot, each variety can usually last 3–5 years. They make a thoughtful gift for yourself—or any gardener who loves the comfort of knowing they have a little “seed backup” ready for food security.
Step 5: Add Seasonal Charm
Even while the garden winds down, it can still feel cozy and beautiful:
Scatter pumpkins or gourds along pathways.
Hang dried flowers for texture and color.
Add a bird feeder or little wildlife shelter — the critters love it, and it keeps the garden lively.
Hi, I’m Carie!
I’m a Missouri flower grower with a love for turning soil, seeds, and sunshine into armfuls of blooms. On our family farm, I spend my days growing dahlias, zinnias, and all the little flowers that make each season feel special. Gardening isn’t always perfect—sometimes it’s messy, unpredictable, and full of lessons—but that’s what makes it so rewarding.
Through this blog, I share stories from the garden, tips for growing cut flowers, and a peek into life on the farm here in the Midwest. My hope is to encourage you to dig in, grow something beautiful, and enjoy the simple joys that flowers bring..
