I’ve been doing a lot of fall garden consultations lately, and one question keeps coming up again and again:

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“What do I cut down in fall, what do I leave, and should I be doing it now or wait until spring?”

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The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Like so many things in gardening, it really depends on your preferences.

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Cutting things back in fall can help remove pest and disease problems that overwinter and cause trouble in spring. It also keeps your garden looking tidy through winter and makes things easier when the weather warms up. You’re already ready to plant!

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But there are benefits to waiting until spring, too. Leaving plants standing provides food and shelter for birds and pollinators, plus the seed heads and dried stems add a little winter interest.

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My dad always preferred to leave everything up through winter. He liked having something to do when the weather started to warm and he was itching to get back into the garden. I, on the other hand, prefer to clean things up in the fall so my beds are ready to go when spring arrives.

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There’s really no right or wrong. It’s just a matter of what works best for you!

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Here are a few things you can safely cut down when you do decide to clean up:

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• Shasta daisies, coneflowers, and daylilies – Once the foliage turns brown, go ahead and trim them back.
• Hostas – Their leaves turn mushy after frost, so it’s best to cut them down before winter.
• Ornamental grasses – Cut them back in fall or wait until early spring. It’s up to you!
• Diseased foliage – Always remove anything that’s had mildew, blight, or pest issues. Toss it in the trash, not the compost.

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Whether you clean up in fall or wait until spring, the important thing is that you’re out there enjoying your garden in whatever way fits you.

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Happy growing! 🌱

Liz

P.S. I’d love to hear which camp you’re in! Fall cleanup or spring cleanup? Hit reply and tell me what you do!

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