Fall garden preparation is the final, crucial step before the landscape settles under winter’s quiet blanket. As October comes to a close, the air carries that unmistakable crispness—the kind that reminds you frost is only days away. There’s still work to be done, and the actions you take now will set the stage for a healthy, thriving spring garden.

If you’ve never done a late-October garden cleanup before, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! This guide will walk you through the essential tasks that protect your plants, tidy up your beds, and prepare your tools for hibernation. Think of it as your personal fall gardening game plan: short, actionable, and satisfying.

Why Late-Fall Garden Prep Matters

October may feel like the end of the season, but in reality, it’s the beginning of next year’s success story. Every leaf you rake, every mulch layer you spread, and every perennial you tuck in helps your garden wake up stronger when spring returns.

Without these simple steps, your spring garden could start off behind—plants may suffer winter damage, soil could erode, and pests might find a cozy hiding spot in leftover debris. By finishing your garden tasks before the ground freezes, you protect your investment and make your future self incredibly thankful come April.

In cold-climate regions like Iowa and across the Midwest, frost can arrive swiftly and stay for months. That’s why preparing the garden for winter in Bettendorf, Iowa, isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. The time between the last fall flowers and the first snow is short, so every bit of preparation counts.

Step-by-Step Fall Garden Tasks

Protect Your Perennials

Your perennials have worked hard all season, and now they deserve a little care before winter’s chill. Start by trimming back dead or diseased foliage, but leave some stems and seed heads for birds and beneficial insects. Plants like echinacea, rudbeckia, and ornamental grasses provide both beauty and habitat through the winter.

For more tender perennials or newly planted ones, cover the crown with 2–4 inches of mulch or shredded leaves once the ground begins to freeze. This insulation prevents freeze-thaw cycles from heaving plants out of the soil.

Tip: Use a lightweight frost blanket to cover sensitive perennials—it’s easy, effective, and can extend their life well into the cooler season.

Mulch, Soil, and Fall Fertilizing

Adding mulch is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your soil through winter. It locks in moisture, regulates temperature, and prevents erosion. Spread a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch such as shredded bark, straw, or compost around trees, shrubs, and garden beds.

If you haven’t amended your soil in a while, autumn is a great time to do so. As organic materials break down over the winter, they enrich your soil naturally, creating a fertile foundation for next spring’s planting.

Now’s also the time to fertilize your lawn one last time before dormancy. A slow-release fall fertilizer encourages strong root growth and helps turf green up faster in spring.

Tip: Avoid piling mulch directly against stems or trunks—it can lead to rot. Think of it like tucking your plants in with a cozy blanket, not smothering them with one.

Plant Fall Bulbs

Don’t forget to add some beauty to your spring! Fall is the perfect time to plant bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, crocus, and allium. These cool-weather beauties need winter’s chill to bloom their best when the snow melts.

Plant bulbs at a depth about three times their height and in clusters for the most natural look. Mix in bulb food or compost at planting time to give them a healthy start.

Tip: Mark your bulb spots with garden stakes so you remember where they’re tucked in when spring arrives!

Water Before the Freeze

It’s been a dry fall across much of Iowa, so it’s important to water deeply once a week until the ground freezes. This helps perennials, trees, and shrubs stay hydrated before entering dormancy—especially evergreens and newly planted landscape plants.

Hydrated plants are less prone to winter injury and will emerge healthier in spring.

Apply Root Stimulator

For any newly planted trees, shrubs, or perennials, give them a final treatment of root stimulator before the ground freezes. This encourages root growth and helps plants establish faster, even as temperatures cool.

Prevent Winter Burn on Evergreens

Evergreens like boxwood, azalea, rhododendron, and holly can suffer from winter burn caused by harsh winds and frozen ground. Before freezing temperatures set in, apply Wilt Stop spray to create a protective coating that locks in moisture and reduces stress.

Tip: Apply on a mild, dry day to ensure the spray adheres properly and offers maximum protection through winter.

Clean Up Garden Beds

A tidy garden in fall means fewer problems later. Remove spent annuals, vegetable plants, and any diseased debris that could overwinter pests or pathogens. Compost healthy plant material, but dispose of anything that shows signs of disease like mildew, blight, or leaf spot.

Rake up fallen leaves from lawns and pathways but let a few remain in flower beds as natural insulation. Cutting back perennials selectively keeps your garden looking intentional while supporting wildlife through the colder months.

Tip: When cleaning up, take note of empty spots or underperforming areas—these are great places to plan new spring additions or bulbs.

Store Tools and Supplies

Your garden tools have been faithful partners all year long—don’t leave them to rust through the winter. Clean dirt and sap off pruners, shovels, and trowels, then lightly oil metal surfaces to prevent corrosion. Wooden handles can be sanded and treated with linseed oil for extra longevity.

Drain hoses, empty watering cans, and store them indoors to prevent cracking. Organize your tools in a dry, accessible area so they’re ready for action in spring.

Tip: A quick spray of cooking oil on metal tools before storage keeps them rust-free and easy to handle next season.

Bring Houseplants Indoors

Many gardeners let tropical or potted plants enjoy summer outdoors, but before frost hits, it’s time to bring them in. Start by inspecting each plant for pests—look closely under leaves and around soil. Wipe the foliage clean and consider repotting if the roots are crowded.

We recommend treating with a spray of insecticidal soap and adding a Systemic Insect Control to the soil to keep pesky bugs from traveling from the outside in. 

Place indoor plants near bright windows, but away from cold drafts. Reduce watering slightly as growth slows in lower light conditions.

Tip: Group plants together to create a humid microclimate—they’ll adjust more easily to the dry indoor air.

Quick Checklist for Last-Minute Garden Prep

Here’s your easy, actionable list to wrap up the season efficiently:

✅ Trim and tidy perennials, leaving some seed heads for wildlife
✅ Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around trees and garden beds
✅ Fertilize the lawn for stronger spring growth
✅ Apply root stimulator to new plantings
✅ Water weekly until the ground freezes
✅ Remove spent annuals and diseased debris
✅ Plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils before frost
✅ Spray Wilt Stop on evergreens to prevent winter burn
✅ Drain hoses and store tools after cleaning and oiling
✅ Bring houseplants and tender perennials indoors
✅ Cover delicate plants with frost blankets or burlap
✅ Make a list of supplies to restock before winter

October’s chill is the perfect cue for one final trip to your favorite garden center. Whether you’re topping up mulch, grabbing a few last-minute bulbs, or picking up frost covers, it’s a chance to set yourself up for success. Fall is also an excellent time to purchase perennials at discounted prices—just be sure to plant them quickly and mulch well for winter protection.

If you haven’t picked up your fall essentials yet, now’s the perfect time for one last visit to Wallace’s Garden Center!

Remember to Stock up On:

• 🌱 Mulch and compost

• 🌸 Spring-flowering bulbs

• 🌾 Fertilizer and root stimulator

• 🌲 Wilt Stop spray for evergreens

• 🪴 Frost covers and burlap

• 🧤 Tool maintenance supplies
  
  

A quick visit now ensures you won’t be scrambling next spring. By finishing your checklist before the frost, you’re doing more than tidying up—you’re protecting the health, structure, and beauty of your garden for the months ahead.

So, grab your gloves, your rake, and your favorite mug of something warm, and head outside for one final round in the garden! October gardening in Iowa might be brisk, but it’s deeply rewarding. Every layer of mulch, every cleaned tool, and every tucked-in perennial is a promise of color and life waiting just beneath the surface.

Remember, how to prepare your garden for winter isn’t about perfection—it’s about preparation and care. Do what you can, enjoy the process, and take satisfaction in knowing you’ve set the stage for a vibrant growing season to come.

Follow these simple steps, and your garden will thank you come spring. After all, fall garden preparation is the final act of love before nature takes its winter rest. 

As you wrap up your fall garden chores, make sure you have everything you need to finish strong. From mulch and frost covers to bulbs and fertilizers, Wallace’s Garden Center has all your seasonal essentials in stock. Stop by soon and get your garden winter-ready before the frost arrives—your spring self will thank you!