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There are sure to be a few nice, warm days yet this fall. What better way to spend this time then outside prepping your garden for next spring? It will not only save you time next year, but it will also improve your growing conditions. A few things should be done every fall, before laying your garden to bed for the winter, to increase the chances for a successful growing season next year.

Start by trimming down the old, decaying vegetation that has called it quits. Bury or gently till these remnants into the soil, increasing overall soil health by adding this organic matter for the next year. These rotting plants invite unwanted pests into the garden next spring, by burying it and allowing the decomposition process to begin will not give these pests anything to feed on come spring time.

Pull those weeds that have established themselves over the growing season and get rid of them. This will give you a head start on weeding next spring. They will be back if you do not rid of them now. The soil is moist, and roots should come up quite easy.

Now is the best time to plant any bulbs. Dig up any bulbs that have divided and need space or that you would like to see growing elsewhere. Some guess work may have to go into finding those bulbs from long-ago flowers but start digging six inches from the visible stems to locate those that need transplanting. Do not forget that now is the time to plant garlic for next year’s harvest.

Reap the benefits of your compost. Most of the compost saved over the hot summer months should be ready to go. Top off beds and areas of nutrient-deficient soil to get a start on growth next spring. This will also give room for healthy microbial composting over the winter months, especially after adding all those glorious fall leaves, gaining a head start on next summer’s soon to be nutrient rich bounty.

If you use mulch a pre-winter addition is just as effective as the summer application. Winter mulch helps protect the soil from temperature variations that effect vegetation root systems, the mulch will help retain moisture and protect the soil from erosion when the snow thaws. As the mulch breaks down it will continue to add organics to the soil continuously.

Sow those cover crops that help prevent erosion, add organic nutrients to the soil and increase available nitrogen to next year’s veggies. The National Resource and Conservation District, Sanders County Office in Plains, can be reached at (406) 826-3701 to discuss the best cover crop plan options for each situation.

Sharpen those worked garden tools and hang them to rest until next year. Then sit back, reflect on what worked this year, and what did not. Decide what varieties performed to your standards this year and what varieties should not be replanted next season. Keep a list of what things you want to change or do differently, lessons learned throughout the season.

When the seed catalogs start coming in the next few months, you will be ready.