Planting
Calendars

Plant bulbs and garlic. Late fall is the time to tuck spring flower and garlic bulbs into the soil. These bulbs will hibernate through the winter and pop up next year. You can keep planting bulbs until the ground freezes. Learn more about planting garlic (https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-1627 ) and bulbs (https://u.osu.edu/thenews/2022/10/12/time-to-get-those-spring-flowering-bulbs-in-the-ground/).

Keep harvesting but cut down annual plants. There is not enough warmth left to produce a substantial amount of new fruit or veggies. Keep harvesting anything that is still producing but consider clearing out plants that are done. Dispose of anything that seemed diseased so it does not leave bacteria in the soil. Put everything else on your compost pile.

Cover annual beds with mulch, a cover crop, or even an actual cover. Nature hates bare soil and weed seeds will find a way to use it. Instead, consider mulching your raised beds or planting a cover crop for the winter. There are many types depending on what your soil needs (e.g., restore the soil, erosion control, etc.). Check out this article Delaware Soil and Water Conservation District (https://soilandwater.co.delaware.oh.us/) shared (https://www.farmanddairy.com/columns/planting-cover-crops-can-make-life-easier/137489.html). If all else fails, cover those raised beds with landscaping fabric, black plastic, or even an old rug and remove it in spring.

Leave the leaves in your perennial bed. Research has shown that leaving the leaves in perennial beds benefits native insects which, in turn, benefits our native birds and other animals. If you have an out-of-the-way area, leave the fallen leaves to decompose in place. If leaves are in places you do not want them (such as paths or driveways), rake them to a perennial area that may benefit from some improvement. Here is a recent interview from a wonderful garden resource about how leaving the leaves benefits your garden: https://awaytogarden.com/calculating-the-impact-of-leaving-the-leaves-with-max-ferlauto/

Collect seeds. Now is the perfect time to collect seeds of anything you really loved this year. Wait until the seedheads are dried on the plant, pack them into seed packets, and put them somewhere cool and dark until next year. Don’t forget to label your seed packets! Learn more: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-harvest-and-store-seeds

Divide plants. Now is a great time to divide perennials and make new plants. You can put them right into their new spots or into a nursery garden to be ready for next year. They’ll start to grow in the spring. Learn more: https://extension.psu.edu/dividing-perennials

Water young trees or newly planted plants. Just like we’re gearing up for the end of the year, our trees, shrubs, and newly planted plants are also getting ready for slumber. Continue watering through the fall so that they have enough to get them through the winter. If you have planted any new plants recently, this may also be high on your priority list. Learn more: (https://northerngardener.org/watering-trees-and-shrubs-in-autumn/).

Take notes for next season. Make any notes about your garden for next year. Are there plants that did really well or plants that really did not live up to expectations? Is there an area of your yard that could really use a new look? Are there areas that could benefit from a native grass, evergreen shrub, or winter blooming plant next year? Get ready now and save Future You some time. Learn more: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/take-notes-now-healthier-garden-next-year

Get ready for winter sowing! Once winter hits, it will be time to winter sow seeds! Winter sowing saves space and time and results in strong plants, ready for spring. Get ready by collecting containers, ordering seeds, and doing research! Learn more: https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/ym105

Enjoy the down time. Don’t forget to take a breather and enjoy the end of the busy season. Make a note of any gardening books you may want to read (Delaware County Library can get almost any gardening book that tickles your fancy). Browse seed catalogs. Sketch out your spring planting ideas. Now is the time to enjoy the nice, cool weather and dream about next year.