We recently shared a story on how to prep your garden soil for winter, but soil health isn’t the only concern for home gardeners as we head into cooler weather. A few simple autumn projects will help build strong foundations for your garden so it’s ready for another productive year come spring.

Clear out weeds and debris 

Stubborn weeds like dandelion, ground ivy, and white clover can survive the winter and come back even stronger in the spring. Plan ahead by rooting out weeds and invasive insects before the first frost so you’ve got a clean planting slate next spring. Right after a light rain is a great time to weed as the soil will be soft.

Clean and store equipment 

When properly cared for, garden equipment like trowels, wheelbarrows, and tomato cages will last for years. Clean off excess dirt from equipment with soap and water and spray with an isopropyl alcohol solution (70-100 percent alcohol) to get rid of any diseases. Store all equipment in a dry place for the winter months.

Plant your perennials 

Depending on where you live, many heartier perennials are happy to live through the winter, but be sure to plant early. Planting perennials before the first frost will help them take root before the weather gets too cold.

Get composting

We’ve said it before and we will say it again: a compost pile is one of the best investments you can make for a home garden. Composting cuts down on your fertilizer costs and reduces your personal carbon footprint. Plus, it gives you a great place to turn all those fall leaves you raked up into nutrient-dense mulch for your garden!