Minnesota’s first frost can sneak up quickly, so getting yard tasks done ahead of time is key. I’ve made the mistake of waiting too long, and it definitely made spring cleanup harder.
Prepping now means healthier plants and less stress later. From protecting perennials to tidying up the garden beds, every little bit helps.
Let’s get your yard ready so it can handle the chill like a champ!
1. Harvest Garden Vegetables
Don’t let your hard work go to waste! Gather all remaining produce before the cold damages it. Tomatoes, peppers, and squash are particularly frost-sensitive.
Minnesota gardeners often extend the season with row covers, but it’s better to harvest early than risk losing everything to an unexpected freeze.
2. Rake Fallen Leaves
Leaf buildup can suffocate your lawn and breed fungal diseases during Minnesota’s damp fall weather. Regular raking prevents these problems and gives you valuable material for compost.
Many Twin Cities residents find that mulching leaves with a mower provides free fertilizer, returning nutrients to the soil while saving time.
3. Clean and Store Garden Tools
Rusty, dirty tools won’t serve you well next spring. Wash off soil, apply oil to metal parts, and sharpen blades before storing everything in a dry place.
Minnesota’s winter humidity can be particularly hard on garden equipment, so proper storage prevents costly replacements when gardening season returns.
4. Drain Irrigation Systems
Water expands when frozen, causing pipes to burst. Thoroughly drain all outdoor faucets, hoses, and irrigation systems before temperatures drop below freezing.
Even in southern Minnesota, forgotten water lines can create expensive headaches, so disconnect, drain, and store hoses in a frost-free location.
5. Aerate and Fertilize Lawn
Fall is actually the best time to strengthen your grass. Aeration relieves soil compaction while fertilizing now promotes strong root development during Minnesota’s winter dormancy.
Many lawn care experts across the Land of 10,000 Lakes recommend a phosphorus-free fertilizer applied after the last mowing but before the ground freezes.
6. Protect Sensitive Perennials
Not all perennials can handle Minnesota’s harsh winters without help. Apply mulch around roses, hydrangeas, and other tender plants after the first light frost but before deep freezes hit.
North Star State gardeners often use pine straw, leaves or shredded bark, creating a 3-4 inch protective layer that insulates roots from freeze-thaw cycles.
7. Empty and Cover Water Features
Birdbaths, fountains, and small ponds need attention before freezing temperatures arrive. Drain water, clean surfaces, and either store movable features indoors or cover them securely.
Throughout Minnesota, unprotected water features often crack during extreme temperature fluctuations, so this simple step saves significant replacement costs.
8. Trim Dead Tree Branches
Heavy snow and ice can turn weak branches into hazards. Remove dead, diseased, or dangling limbs now when they’re easier to spot with leaves still partially attached.
Minnesota’s winter storms put tremendous stress on trees, and many residents find that fall pruning prevents property damage and expensive emergency removal later.
9. Clean Gutters Thoroughly
Clogged gutters lead to ice dams, a common winter nightmare in Minnesota homes. Remove leaves, twigs, and debris to ensure proper drainage before snow arrives.
Many homeowners across the North Star State install gutter guards after cleaning to minimize future buildup and reduce this twice-yearly maintenance task.
10. Plant Spring-Blooming Bulbs
Fall is the only time to plant tulips, daffodils, and other spring bloomers. Get them in the ground about 6 weeks before the soil freezes for a colorful reward next year.
Minnesota gardeners often plant bulbs deeper than recommended in other states to protect them from our extreme temperature fluctuations during winter thaws.
11. Winterize Outdoor Furniture
Patio sets and outdoor furniture deteriorate quickly when exposed to Minnesota’s harsh elements. Clean thoroughly, apply protective treatments if needed, and store or cover securely.
Many Twin Cities homeowners use breathable furniture covers rather than plastic, preventing moisture buildup that can lead to mold and mildew damage.
12. Service Snow Equipment
Nothing’s worse than a snowblower that won’t start during the first big Minnesota blizzard. Check fuel lines, change oil, and test equipment while the weather’s still mild.
Smart homeowners across the state also stock up on environmentally-friendly ice melt and position snow shovels in accessible locations before the first flakes fall.