You might have noticed the subtle magic of the seasons shifting — summer’s energy gradually mellowing into fall’s embrace. For those of us working in the soil, this transition is more than just a change in temperature or daylight; it’s a crucial time to prepare our gardens for the cooler months ahead. After years of watching plants flourish, fade, and regrow, I’ve gained a thoughtful approach to this seasonal shift. Here’s my step-by-step guide, with some recommended tips and anecdotes from the garden.

Assess Your Garden’s Health

Take a quiet walk around your garden before getting into fall planting or cleanup. Look for any plants that struggled during the summer heat or drought. Last year my tomatoes looked pretty sad by mid-August—the leaves were burnt and fruit stopped ripening. I pruned back the dead foliage and gave them a deep watering, which helped the remaining fruit mature in time.

Tip: This is also a great time to check for pests or diseases. Early intervention can save them before it's too late. 

Clean Up and Compost

Summer spent in full bloom leaves behind a lot of debris—including dead leaves, spent flowers, and tired stems. I always recommend cleaning them up, but don’t just toss everything away. Composting is your garden’s best friend. Consider using a 
composter, you'll turn garden waste into tomorrow’s garden gold.

Last fall, I gathered all my spent marigolds and added them to my compost pile. A few months later, the resulting rich, dark compost helped boost my soil’s fertility, giving my spring bulbs a great boost.

Soil Preparation 

Fall is the perfect time to enrich your soil. After cleaning up, loosen the soil with a fork or tiller and add organic matter—think compost or aged manure are excellent choices. If your soil gets dry and compacted, add a good layer of compost and watering thoroughly, and your garden will bounced back in no time.

Plant Fall-Friendly Crops

Fall veggies like kale, spinach, radishes, and broccoli prefer cooler weather. I always love planting these because they taste sweeter after a bit of frost.

Lat year, my kale patch survived a light frost and actually became more tender and tasty. If you’re in a warmer climate, you can even try planting garlic or shallots now—they’ll overwinter and be ready for harvest next spring.

Mulch for Protection

Once your fall plants are planted, mulch them well. Shredded leaves, a nice layer of straw, or wood chips help regulate soil temperature and retain moisture, especially as the weather changes. 

I remember once when I skipped mulching my veggie patch—a cold spell hit and the vines shriveled overnight. Lesson learned: mulching is a simple but effective insurance policy.

Transition Your Watering Routine

Your garden won’t need as much water as temperatures drop. I usually start reducing watering in late September, but keep an eye on your soil at the same time. If it’s dry several inches down, give your plants a good drink.

Plant for Fall Color

Now's the time to plant shrubs and perennials that will provide stunning fall color. Consider adding some bright colored blooms with brilliant shades of orange and red. Or, try planting some cheery chrysanthemums', which will bloom in shades of orange, yellow, and red.

Plan for Winter 

Finally, think ahead to the cold season. If you have tender plants or perennials, think about how you’ll protect them from the frost. Row covers, cold frames, or even a simple blanket of leaves can make a difference. I once wrapped my rose bushes with burlap after an early freeze, and they grew beautifully come spring.

Wrapping Up

Transitioning from summer to fall in the garden isn’t just about saying goodbye to heat — it’s about setting the stage for resilience and productivity in the months to come. With planning and care, your garden will thrive through the cooler season and reward you with plenty of joy in autumn.