How to Transition from Summer to Fall in the Garden

As summer winds down, your garden may be showing signs of fatigue. The good news? Fall is the perfect time to give your beds a refresh and set them up for months of seasonal beauty. Here’s how to make the transition smooth and rewarding:

1. Refresh Tired Beds

After months of heat, many annuals and perennials are looking past their prime. Clear out faded blooms and spent plants, then lightly cultivate the soil. Removing debris now helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden.

2. Add Compost and Soil Amendments

Fall is a gardener’s secret weapon for soil health. Mixing in a layer of compost not only enriches your beds but also prepares the soil for spring planting. This is also the perfect time to use Espoma products like Holly-tone or Bulb-tone to give shrubs and bulbs the nutrients they need.

3. Swap Out Annuals for Seasonal Color

Replace tired summer annuals with fresh fall favorites like mums, pansies, ornamental kale, and asters. These cool-season plants thrive in autumn’s crisp air and bring vibrant color to your beds, containers, and entryways.

4. Plant for the Future

Fall’s cooler nights and still-warm soil create ideal conditions for planting new trees and shrubs. Roots establish quickly now, giving your plants a head start for next year.

5. Feed and Seed the Lawn

Your lawn also benefits from fall attention. Overseed thin areas with premium Jonathan Green grass seed and follow up with a fall fertilizer. This strengthens roots and ensures a lush green lawn come spring.

Transitioning your garden from summer to fall doesn’t just keep things looking beautiful now—it sets the stage for a healthy, vibrant landscape next year.

from Michelle and the Plant Geeks at Lakeview Nurseries