1. TIDY UP FADED FLOWERBEDS
It's amazing how quick it is to spruce up flowerbeds. One of the first things to do is collect up any dead twigs and stems, spent flower blooms and petals, and leaves that have accumulated on the surface of the soil. Use a rake for speed, or a mini rake if you need to go more carefully in between plants. Remember that any plant matter can be added to your compost heap, as long as it's disease and fungus free.
2. GET RID OF BOTHERSOME WEEDS
If your flowerbeds are filled with weeds you might be tempted to leave it until spring to tackle them. They will just die back, right? If only. Even cooler weather is not enough to stop weeds spreading and multiplying throughout your flowerbeds. As other plants have died back the weeds can get an even firmer stronghold.
3. DIVIDE AND PROPAGATE PERENNIALS (MORE PLANTS!)
As they die back in fall most perennials need to have their foliage and stems cut back. There are one or two exceptions such as hydrangeas, which prefer to stay as they are to help protect them from cold weather. This is a plus, as it can add visual interest to the winter landscape when it's otherwise bare.
4. DIG OVER AND IMPROVE THE SOIL
Unless you're a no-dig gardening disciple, you will need to dig over your flowerbeds after tidying them up. It's especially important to loosen any areas of hard, compact soil after a long hot summer to improve aeration and offer the best growing environment for your plants.
5. PLANT SPRING BULBS NOW FOR EARLY FLOWERBED COLOR
It's always lovely planting something new in your yard so take time out from the practical flowerbed stuff to plant some spring bulbs. As the days lengthen into spring the shoots will poke up through the soil to herald the new growing season.
6. MULCH FLOWERBEDS TO FEED SOIL AND INSULATE PLANTS
You may already mulch in spring, especially if you live in an area prone to drought. But in many ways, fall mulching is even more important, particularly if you live in a cold climate. Once harsh winter weather arrives the roots of unprotected plants can be damaged. Goodness can also be leached out of the soil from wind, rain and snow. Bare flowerbeds are also vulnerable to weed infestation, whatever the weather.