Don't Tell Me What to Do: a Belated List of Fall Chores

Welp. It's getting cold. As it does. And if you are anything like me, procrastination might could be a lifelong companion. Or millstone! But as long as I can give myself grace, I learn that late is better than never and I am my own harshest critic. [Platitude. platitude. platitude.]

But really, who’s to say what NEEDS to be done? Who's to say I shouldn’t spend the last crisp days of fall preening among the changing hues? Who’s to say I can’t lark about these rustling leaves? Or spend myself well up a mountain? I will return to my own sweet tasks eventually. There is time for chores yet! 

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So if you are like me, good lentil-weaver, here’s your (belated) fall checklist. Do what you want! 

☐ First off, leave the leaves! Huzzah! Your free spirit has not led you astray. It is merely the evolution of your journey. Let those leaves lie. The birds, the moths, the fireflies will thank you for it. (A short and helpful article on the most valuable plants to leave for winter habitat protection.)

☐ If your split personality demands a bit more tidy, you can assuage those gremlins a bit. Go ahead and gently rake or blow the leaves to a side space. Better yet, pile them on the garden beds to retain nutrients and insulate the soil. (Just as with all mulching practices, don’t pile them directly around the base of trees and shrubs. You want to allow space to prevent rot or disease.)

We used to recommend shredding your leaves as one option, and while it does allow for efficient leaf breakdown--adding nutrients and speedy soil creation--new studies are showing what we can deduce with our own good brains: shredding the leaf matter includes shredding the cocoons, the eggs, and the larvae of beneficial insect populations. If possible, gently move the leaf matter to an area where this winter habitat can help our insect friends. A few inches high is optimal.

☐ It’s sure starting to get frosty. Empty, clean, and store planters and pottery. If you don’t have a good sheltered location, you can turn them upside down–you just don’t want them to collect rain or snow and then freeze and crack.

☐ Plant those bulbs you’ve almost forgotten about. Or you could try forcing them in pots. Here’s a real quick how and why:  Didn't get your bulbs planted? - Indiana Yard and Garden.

☐ If you haven’t already, attend to your watering system. In my case, I drain and disconnect garden hoses and close up the water spigots. You might have something fancier. Do the winterizing. 

☐ Same for your rain barrels.

☐ Same for your birdbaths. 

☐ Clean, oil, and/or sharpen any needed tools. You might say you’ll do this in the spring, but you won’t. You will be too excited to get started. 

☐ Keep checking those houseplants you brought inside. It’s usually best to quarantine them from the other indoor plants for a month or so in the case of bugs or pests. But if, like me, you don’t have enough space or sunlight for that, be vigilant! Pests happen. Don't take it personally. Here's a helpful link for identifying and dealing with the houseplant cooties: https://www.gardenstead.com/how-i-deal-with-houseplant-pests/

☐ Sow any seeds that require cold stratification. Don’t forget to cover with a bit of soil or compost so as not to simply be strewing birdseed à la Disney princess. (But if you want to Disney-princess it up, I'm not stopping you. The mice and birds would love it.)

☐ You probably should have already. (Safe space–no judgement here!) But if you haven't dug up any tender plants, tubers, or bulbs for indoor storage, you maybe should get on that. It might be too late for those that couldn't survive the cold weather, but I'm not your mother. Do what you want!

☐ Water evergreen shrubs and trees thoroughly before winter to prevent desiccation or winter burn. Luckily, WNC generally gets enough rainfall to support plants in dormancy (they naturally require less water), but keep an eye on your newly planted evergreens specifically. You want consistently moist soil–not saturated–until the ground freezes. Read more in this link. Learning is fun.

☐ Enjoy your garden in its full crunchy splendor. You did this! 

☐ Go inside now. You're probably a little chilled. Maybe make some pumpkin bread. Brew some tea. Read a book–here’s one I loved: https://margaretrenkl.com/the-comfort-of-crows/

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☐ Or anything else. You are a non-conformer! Throw away this list. You don't need lists! Do what you want!