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Learn to Garden: Fall Gardening

Garden work doesn’t end with the start of fall! From planting cool-weather crops to protecting from frost, autumn is a time to not only clean up after a busy growing season, but also to prepare for a successful garden next year. On this page, you’ll find all of our best articles about the basics of gardening in the fall, including things like planting a fall crop, cutting back perennial flowers, and preparing soil for spring sowing. Fall gardening doesn’t have to be overwhelming!

Fall Flowers and Foliage

fall flowers and shrubs

Discover colorful fall-blooming flowers, shrubs, trees, and vines that extend your garden’s beauty well into autumn.

What to Put in a Planter for Fall and Winter

Aster Varieties to Try in Your Garden

Fall Bulbs That Bring Fireworks to Your Spring Garden

Add Stunning Fall Color to Your Landscape with Shrubs

orange mums, white mums, and purple mums in the garden center

There's a Difference Between Florist and Garden Mums

Fall Vegetable Gardening

beets, lettuce, and other greens being grown in terracotta pots

Quick-Growing Vegetables That are Good for Container Gardening

These Leafy Greens Grow Fast in Warm, Late-Summer Soil

Seedling flats of lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, kale, swiss chard and tat soi

What to Plant in a Fall Garden: Cool-Weather Crops That Thrive

Garlic bulbs being prepared to be planted in the fall

When and How to Plant Garlic for a Big Harvest

White frost crystals on Brussels Sprouts plant during winter

Frost Dates, Temperatures, & Covering Tips

Fall Garden Cleanup

What to Do With All Those Leftover Leaves: How to Turn Autumn Leaves Into Garden Gold

Why Less Is More When it Comes to Fall Cleanup

Garden Soil Preparation

Discover your garden’s ideal soil pH, test methods, natural adjustments, and pH preferences for common plants and vegetables.

How to Prepare Your Soil in Fall for Next Year’s Garden

Testing Soil pH and Soil Health (Right at Home!)

Fall Nature

Fuel monarchs along their migration route

What are the First Signs of Fall? What Happens to Nature in the Fall?

Discover the science behind vibrant fall colors and what triggers leaf color changes.

closeup of a yellow jacket

Treating Yellow Jacket Stings and How to Deal With Their Nests

Daphne mezereum or february daphne green shrub with orange berries

Fallen Fruit or Danger? A Guide to Common Poisonous Berries in Fall

Vegetable Gardener's Handbook