The Garden Journal

Seasonal guides for home gardeners who love every part of the year — even the part where you put it all away.

Featured

The Complete End-of-Season Cleanup Guide

From draining hoses and storing terracotta pots to scrubbing down furniture and cutting back perennials — everything you need to close out the garden year with care.

Read the full guide

Yard5 min read

Raking, Mulching & Putting Garden Beds to Rest

A layer of mulch now means a head start come spring. Here's how to tuck your beds in properly before the ground freezes.

Furniture6 min read

How to Clean & Store Outdoor Furniture for Winter

Wood, metal, wicker — each material needs a different approach. A little effort now saves a lot of heartbreak in March.

Pots5 min read

Caring for Terracotta, Ceramic & Plastic Pots Off-Season

Terracotta cracks, ceramics chip, and plastic fades — unless you store them right. Here's the pot-by-pot breakdown.

Garden7 min read

Digging & Storing Tender Bulbs Before the First Frost

Dahlias, cannas, and gladioli won't survive a hard freeze in the ground. Here's how to lift, dry, and store them so they're ready to shine again next year.

Yard6 min read

Turn Your Autumn Cleanup Into Next Year's Best Compost

All those leaves and spent plants aren't waste — they're next season's fertility. How to build a productive compost pile from your end-of-season haul.

Yard4 min read

Winterizing Your Garden Tools, Hoses & Equipment

A cracked hose or rusted trowel is a sad spring surprise. The right storage routine takes 30 minutes and saves you from replacing everything in April.

Garden6 min read

Which Perennials to Cut Back Now (and Which to Leave)

Not everything should be cut to the ground in autumn. Some plants offer winter interest, wildlife habitat, and spring protection. Here's how to decide.

Yard5 min read

The Autumn Lawn Care Checklist: Aerate, Overseed, Feed

Fall is the best time to give your lawn the attention it needs. A few hours now sets you up for the lushest grass on the block come May.

Garden5 min read

Putting Your Raised Beds to Bed for Winter

Cover crops, deep mulch, or a simple tarp — there are several ways to protect your raised beds over winter. Here's what works best and when.

Pots4 min read

Transitioning Window Boxes & Planters for the Cold Months

Your window boxes don't have to go bare. Swap in cold-hardy plants, or clean them out properly so they're ready for an early spring refresh.