Even as the autumn leaves fall, many things can still be done (and not done!) in the garden. If your mind is already considering the next growing season (and perhaps our new residential rebate program for 2025), read on about what you can do in the garden this fall to make your garden even better next year.
Leaving Leaf Litter:
If this article could convince you of one point it is something not to do in the garden this autumn. Year after year, thousands of yard waste bags full of leaves are sent to municipal composting facilities. This is not inherently a bad thing, however, the best use for leaves is for them to be left in place. Leaves dropped from our deciduous trees are vital habitat for insects, animals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. A majority of our butterflies and moths need leaf litter to complete their life cycles. Leaf litter also acts as an insulating blanket for your garden and the soil. It protects plants from extreme cold and wind and helps protect soil from erosion while keeping moisture in (plants like evergreens are susceptible to drying out in winter months). Lastly, leaves are free compost, in place, that you do not need to source, buy, and drive to your home, all things that contribute to carbon emissions. Leaves should not be shredded, but moving some of them around in your garden should not affect insect and animal neighbours. Like stormwater, however, the goal is to keep this wonderful resource in place and to utilize its benefits.
The What Not’s of Autumn Gardening:
In the same vein of autumn clean up and what not to do, try to leave as much of your plant material in place until late spring and avoid cutting back. These plants provide vital habitat for insects that nest in stems, crevasses and the plant debris left standing.
Birds and animals use plants for habitat and eat seeds and berries in lean winter months. Food derived from diverse native plant sources is an even healthier choice than bird feeders! This can minimize disease transmission, prevent birds from eating potentially mouldy seed at feeders, and lastly, make birds less of a target to predators like outdoor cats. Save trimming back your plants for those with disease (please do remove them from your site) and control self-seeders (removing seed heads only). When cutting back plants (in autumn or late spring) leave at least 45-60 cm of stems, especially hollow-stemmed plants, for stem nesting insects.
Rain Barrel Check:
Don’t forget about winterizing your garden’s rain barrel or other rainwater collection devices. Disconnect from your downspout, drain the barrel, clean the inside of the barrel with vinegar and dish soap, and store the barrel or turn it over and leave it in place. Don’t forget to reinstall the downspout extenders and splash guards.
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Lastly, take an opportunity to inspect gutters, eaves, and downspouts for repairs needed and blockages of debris to remove. See the links below for two videos with different types of downspout connections.
3 Autumn Garden ‘To-Do’s:
Autumn is an especially good time for 3 tasks in the garden: planting, weeding, and collecting and sowing seed. Autumn is a preferred time for planting trees and shrubs. 
With more abundant and consistent water, along with soils that are warmer compared to spring, trees and shrubs can establish slowly and without stressors like heat and drought. There is still time to plant some native perennial plants. Avoid planting grasses and review what perennial plants can still be planted before purchasing. Walking around your garden you may notice some of the weeds standing out more prominently. This is a good thing. Autumn is a great time to weed because the weeds are easier to spot and the plants are weaker, making them easier to pull or cut. Your garden and the wider landscape will likely have an abundance of seeds for collecting for fall sowing and sharing. Make sure to always leave enough seeds for birds and animals to eat and for plants to spread/self-seed. Collect only where you have permission to take seeds (there are restrictions in many types of conservation lands). Lastly, you can help your garden out by doing some winter sowing to expand your garden or share seedlings with others. The Royal Botanical Gardens has an in-depth article on why and how you should do winter sowing.
A step that is often overlooked and missed in the garden in autumn is quite important. How many of us have sat down in January to dream about our gardens and find our memories lacking? Perform a garden audit.Take notes and photos of what went well, things that need improvement, tasks and projects you hope to accomplish.
A garden map is also a very helpful thing to have for planning. The winter is also a great time to do a “gardener” audit: what questions did you have, what do you want to learn or read, and what organizations would you like to join?
Green Venture has several educational and stewardship events you may consider attending. The latest round of rebate funding to help homeowners install rain gardens, rain collection systems and other Low Impact Development garden features is coming out very soon this winter. Stay tuned and subscribe for more up-to-date information.
To learn more:
A way to garden podcast on fall cleanup with Doug Tallamy
Xerces Society leave the leaves
Rain barrel winterization video 1
Rain barrel winterization video 2
