How to Prepare Your Garden for Fall: A Step-by-Step Guide

As the days grow shorter and summer’s heat begins to ease, your garden may seem like it’s winding down. But don’t put your tools away just yet — late summer and early fall are some of the most important times of the year for gardeners. Whether you're a seasoned grower or a weekend hobbyist, preparing your garden now ensures not only a more beautiful autumn, but a healthier, more productive spring to come. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step fall garden prep routine, recommend the best crops to plant, and highlight top-rated tools and supplies — all available at The Mill Stores to help you get growing. 

When to Start Prepping Your Garden 

Timing is everything in gardening, and for fall prep, late August through early September is your window of opportunity. Soil temperatures are still warm enough for seeds to germinate quickly, while the cooler air eases transplant shock for new plants. 

Starting your fall preparation now gives you time to: 

Whether you’re planting leafy greens or refreshing your flower beds, this timing gives you a head start on fall beauty and next year’s success. 

The 4 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Garden 

Transitioning your garden from the lush growth of summer to the crisp bounty of fall doesn't have to be a daunting task. By taking a few essential steps now, you can set yourself up for a successful second harvest. As summer crops wind down, you can prepare your soil and get your beds ready for a vibrant new season filled with hearty greens, root vegetables, and beautiful blooms. Here's your guide to making the most of your fall garden.

Step 1: Harvest and Clear 

Before planting anything new, it's important to wrap up the summer season. Harvest remaining warm-weather crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and squash. Leaving overripe or decaying produce in the garden not only invites pests — it also encourages disease and fungal issues that can linger into the next season. 

Once harvested, remove spent plants, invasive weeds, and any diseased foliage (which should be trashed, not composted). Cleaning up garden beds creates space and improves airflow for your fall crops. 

🧤 Need help with clean-up? Stock up on durable garden gloves to make the process smoother. 

Step 2: Rejuvenate Your Soil 

After a long growing season, your soil is likely depleted of essential nutrients. To prepare for a productive fall crop, replenish the soil with organic matter like Twin Oaks Compost, aged manure, or worm castings. 

Work these amendments into the top 4–6 inches of soil using a sturdy spading fork or garden shovel. This improves structure, aeration, and drainage while feeding the beneficial microbes that support root development. 

🌱 Tip: Use a soil test kit to determine if you need to balance pH or add specific nutrients. Then shop our full range of organic and slow-release fertilizers for fall-specific needs.  

The Mill offers soil testing so you know exactly which nutrients your garden needs.  

Step 3: Plant Your Fall Crops 

Here’s where the magic of the fall garden begins. With warm soil and cooling air, many cool-season vegetables and hardy flowers thrive when planted in late summer. 

Top Vegetables to Plant Now: 

Fall Flowers That Thrive: 

🛒 Shop our curated selection of fall seeds and seasonal blooms online or in-store to start your fall planting today. 

Don’t forget to mulch! A 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate roots as temperatures drop. 

Step 4: Divide and Prune 

Fall is the perfect time to divide perennials that have become overcrowded. Plants like hostas, daylilies, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans benefit from division every few years to promote air circulation and vigorous regrowth. 

You can also take this opportunity to prune summer-flowering shrubs like spirea and butterfly bush to maintain shape and remove deadwood. Avoid pruning spring bloomers (such as lilacs or azaleas) now, as this could cut off next season’s buds. 

✂️ Trim with precision using our high-quality pruners and garden knives, perfect for dividing perennials and shaping shrubs. 

Must-Have Tools for Fall Garden Prep 

Make your garden cleanup and replanting easier and more efficient with the right tools. At The Mill, we recommend: 

🧰 Browse our full line of trusted gardening tools to get fall-ready with confidence. 

Common Questions About Fall Gardening 

Q: What’s the difference between fall and spring planting? 
A: Fall planting is focused on cool-season vegetables and preparing perennials and shrubs for overwintering. Unlike spring, fall planting offers cooler temps, fewer pests, and lower water demands — often leading to more flavorful greens and stronger root systems. 

Q: Can I use the same fertilizer in fall as I do in spring? 
A: Not exactly. Fall fertilizers typically contain less nitrogen (which promotes leaf growth) and more phosphorus and potassium, which support root strength and overall plant resilience. Explore our fall fertilizers designed for these needs. 

Q: Is it too late to plant in September? 
A: No! Many quick-growing crops like spinach, radishes, lettuce, and pansies thrive when planted through mid-September. For extra protection, consider using cold frames or row covers to extend your growing window. 

Wrap-Up: Make the Most of Fall in Your Garden 

Fall gardening is more than just maintenance — it’s a chance to reset, renew, and reap another round of rewards. By clearing out spent summer growth, nourishing your soil, and planting the right crops, you’ll create a healthier garden now and build momentum for spring.