Fall is settling in across Ohio, and gardens are shifting from vibrant growth to a calmer season. There’s something satisfying about tidying up, even if it feels like a lot at first.
With the right approach, it can be simple and even fun. Let’s see which tasks help Ohio gardens transition smoothly into the cooler months.
1. Clear Fallen Leaves
Don’t let those beautiful autumn leaves smother your lawn! In Ohio gardens, a thick mat of wet leaves can cause fungal diseases and dead patches.
Rake them up regularly or run over them with a mulching mower to create free organic matter. Your garden will thank you come springtime!
2. Prune Perennials
Many Ohio gardeners make the mistake of leaving all pruning until spring. Cutting back spent perennials now prevents disease and creates a tidier winter landscape.
Leave ornamental grasses and seed heads for winter interest and bird food. Remember that different plants have different pruning needs in the Buckeye State!
3. Mulch Garden Beds
Fresh mulch acts like a cozy winter blanket for your plants’ roots. Throughout Ohio’s freezing temperatures, this protective layer prevents frost heaving and soil erosion.
Apply 2-3 inches after the ground freezes but before deep snow arrives. Shredded leaves make excellent free mulch for budget-conscious gardeners in the Buckeye State!
4. Divide Overcrowded Plants
Fall offers perfect timing to split those overgrown perennials. Many Ohio favorites like hostas, daylilies, and iris benefit from division every few years when they become crowded.
The cooler weather reduces transplant shock while giving roots time to establish before winter sets in. Plus, you’ll have free plants to expand your garden or share with neighbors!
5. Plant Spring Bulbs
Nothing beats the joy of surprise spring blooms after Ohio’s long winter! October and November are prime times to plant tulips, daffodils, and crocuses.
Dig holes about three times as deep as the bulb’s height, with the pointed end facing upward. Consider planting in clusters for maximum impact when spring finally returns to the Midwest!
6. Test and Amend Soil
Fall presents the perfect opportunity to improve your garden’s foundation. Ohio’s diverse soil types often need specific amendments to reach their growing potential.
Collect samples from different areas and send them to your county extension office for testing. Adding limestone, compost, or other recommended amendments now gives them time to integrate before spring planting begins!
7. Clean and Store Tools
Your trusty garden tools deserve some TLC after a busy season! Brush off soil, remove rust with steel wool, and sharpen blades for easier work next year.
Wipe metal parts with oil to prevent winter corrosion, common in Ohio’s humid climate. Proper storage extends tool life and saves you money—something every Buckeye gardener can appreciate!
8. Protect Sensitive Plants
Ohio’s unpredictable winter weather can devastate tender perennials without proper protection. Roses, hydrangeas, and newly planted shrubs benefit from special attention before freezes arrive.
Create protective barriers using burlap wraps, rose cones, or mounded soil around the base. These simple measures can mean the difference between thriving plants and disappointing losses next spring!
9. Empty and Store Containers
Terracotta and ceramic pots can crack during Ohio’s freeze-thaw cycles if left filled with soil. Empty and clean containers, then store them upside down in a protected area.
For pots too large to move, elevate them on feet to improve drainage. Many Buckeye gardeners wrap their valuable containers in bubble wrap as extra insurance against winter damage!
10. Compost Yard Waste
Transform autumn’s bounty into garden gold! Ohio gardens produce abundant organic material that’s perfect for composting rather than sending to landfills.
Create alternating layers of brown materials (leaves, straw) and green materials (grass clippings, vegetable scraps). By spring, you’ll have rich compost to feed your Buckeye State garden beds!