Ask an Expert — Fall Yard and Garden Tips

Autumn is officially here, and there is much to look forward to – pumpkins on the porch, apple cider, cooler temperatures, and walks through crunchy leaves. But before you get too comfortable, don’t forget there are yard and garden end-of-season tasks to complete. Here are tips from the Utah State University Extension Gardeners Almanac to help. Included are links to fact sheets and videos for further information.

• Learn about average first and last frost dates around the state.
• Consider adding a smaller structure such as a low tunnel or a larger high tunnel to extend your growing season.
• Learn how and when to harvest winter squash and store in a cool (50-55°F), dry location.
• Plant garlic cloves from mid-October through early November.
• Refer to this list of fall cleanup chores and good landscape practices to get your yard ready for winter.
• Remove vegetable plants from the garden once harvest is complete to reduce overwintering sites for insect pests.
• Protect tomatoes from early frost by covering the plants with a blanket or tarp.
• Place mulch over carrots, beets, and parsnips to prevent the ground around them from freezing.
• Rototill leaves, compost, or manure into the vegetable garden to enhance soil microbe activity.
• Prune roses by heading back excessively long canes to prevent damage from heavy snow loads.
• Cut back ornamental grasses in snow-prone areas once the foliage has died down. Otherwise leave them until spring and enjoy the vertical accent during the winter.
• Plant spring-blooming bulbs through early November.
• Plant trees and shrubs in the fall to enhance root establishment.
• Dig tender perennials such as gladiolas, dahlias, begonias, and canna lilies after the foliage has died down, and store them in a cool (45-50 °F), dry place.
• Protect trunks of young trees from winter cracking by wrapping them with a white reflective tree wrap.
• Dig and remove annual flowers.
• Plant cold-hardy annuals, including pansies, primrose, kale, and ornamental cabbage.
• Prune raspberry canes to the ground after they have fruited.
• Control tough perennial weeds such as field bindweed (a.k.a. morning glory). Refer to this list of weed control options.
• Mow grass to a height of 1-to-1½ inches at the end of the season to minimize disease problems.
• Apply a quick-release nitrogen fertilizer after the last mowing (late October to early November) for early greening next spring.

Pests and Problems:

• Send diseased vegetable plants and leaves to the local landfill.
• Use burlap or other soft materials to wrap evergreens to prevent snow breakage.
• Treat stone fruits (cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums) for coryneum blight at 50% leaf drop.
• Clean up and discard all fallen fruit to reduce overwintering sites for disease and insect pests.
• To see a video of the October Gardener’s Almanac tips, click here. 
• Consider taking a USU Extensiononline gardening course. Courses cover topics such as container vegetable gardening, creating the perfect soil, planting trees, and controlling pests. Courses are geared toward both beginning and professional gardeners. 
• Explore more gardening tips on Extension’s yard and garden website.