As the air cools and the humidity finally dips, I and many East Texas gardeners start to feel that itch to get outside and “clean up.” Fall is, without question, one of the best seasons to reset your home landscape and vegetable garden. While it’s tempting to tear everything out and start fresh, a few smart, research-based steps from Texas A&M AgriLife can make sure your fall effort pays off come spring.
First, let us take stock of what we’ve got before we pull. Start by walking around your yard or garden and noting what performed well this summer. Texas A&M AgriLife horticulturists remind us that success leaves clues—plants that thrived in our heat and humidity often point to the right species or cultivars for your site. Remove declining annuals, spent vegetables, and diseased material, but don’t be too quick to discard healthy perennials or reseeding annuals that still have life left.
Next, we’ll clean—but don’t strip—the beds. While cleaning out is important, leaving a thin layer of mulch or even a few dried seed heads can benefit wildlife and soil life. Research from AgriLife’s Earth-Kind® Landscaping program shows that moderate organic debris helps conserve soil moisture and protect beneficial microbes. Just avoid leaving diseased plant tissue, which can overwinter fungal spores or insect pests.
After cleaning out what didn’t work and removing all diseased plant material, refresh the soil. After a long growing season, your soil could use a recharge. You can recharge it by adding two to three inches of compost or aged organic matter and gently working it into the top few inches. In our neck of the woods, I’m a big fan of “mushroom manure”. And I’ve learned about it from others. Of course, a ready-to-go mix from your own compost pile would be best!
Planting, finally, is next. Fall is prime time for transplanting trees, shrubs, and perennials because root growth continues well into winter. AgriLife horticulturists note that the cooler air and still-warm soil encourage root establishment without heat stress. For vegetables, you can still set out transplants of leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, or direct-seed spinach and carrots if soil moisture allows.
Don’t overfertilize going into winter. A light, balanced fertilizer or compost dressing will support roots without pushing tender new top growth. Water newly planted areas deeply and then taper back; consistent but moderate moisture encourages roots to seek depth before cold weather sets in.
Lastly, finish with a fresh mulch layer. About 3 inches will be enough. We do this to reduce winter weeds and moderate soil temperature through the winter as well as into the summer heat. When applying mulch, keep mulch pulled back a few inches from trunks and crowns to prevent rot.
You and I should look at these fall activities are more than cleaning up, they’re an investment in next year’s success. By working with the season, adding organic matter, and choosing proven Texas-tough plants, you and I both will be rewarded with healthier soil, stronger roots, and fewer headaches when spring rolls around.
Cary Sims is the County Extension Agent for agriculture and natural resources for Angelina County. His email address is cw-sims@tamu.edu
Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, national origin, genetic information or veteran status. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.
By Cary Sims, Extension Agent, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Angelina County
