Remove dead, diseased, and spent plants
Harvest remaining vegetables, herbs, and fruits
Pull weeds and clear fallen debris
Cut back perennials as needed
Leave some seed heads and stems for wildlife if desired
Mulch garden beds with compost, leaves, straw, or bark
Protect tender plants with row covers, cloches, or frost cloth
Dig up and store tender bulbs, tubers, and rhizomes
Bring potted plants indoors or into a sheltered space
Water plants deeply before the ground freezes
Reduce watering as temperatures drop
Clean, sharpen, and store garden tools
Empty, drain, and store hoses and irrigation lines
Shut off and winterize outdoor water systems
Add compost to beds if soil is workable
Cover bare soil with mulch or a cover crop
Prune shrubs and trees only as appropriate for the species
Wrap young trees or protect trunks from winter damage
Install windbreaks or barriers for exposed plants
Check for pests and remove overwintering sites
Store seeds, labels, and garden supplies in a dry place
Protect raised beds and containers from freeze damage
Plan crop rotation and next season’s layout