A Few Minutes of Fall Garden Maintenance Could Prevent Expensive Problems Next Year

A gardener cleans diseased plant debris from a fall garden while leaving healthy leaves and stems in place, then prepares tools and mulch for winter to help prevent spring problems – Shutterstock

A few minutes of fall garden maintenance can save a surprising amount of money, work, and frustration when spring arrives. A garden that looks finished for the season still holds plenty of unfinished business, from diseased foliage and lurking weeds to dirty tools and forgotten hoses.

Fall cleanup does not require turning the yard into a military operation. A handful of smart jobs can remove problems before winter settles in, protect valuable plants and equipment, and make the first warm weekend of spring feel considerably less chaotic.