By late October, most community garden plots across Boston and New England look a little tired. Tomato vines have blackened after the first frost, squash leaves are spotted, and only the hardiest greens are still going strong. It is tempting to simply walk away until spring. But a few hours of fall care can make next season easier, protect the soil and keep shared spaces tidy over the winter.
Many community gardens have their own closing rules and deadlines, so start by checking with your garden coordinator. Then use this checklist as a guide.
Harvest What Is Left
Before clearing anything, gather the last of the season’s produce.
- Green tomatoes can be ripened indoors on a counter or used in recipes like relish or fried green tomatoes.
- Root vegetables like carrots, beets and parsnips can often stay in the ground a little longer, and some taste sweeter after a light frost.
- Kale, collards and other hardy greens may keep producing into November.
- Herbs can be cut and dried for winter cooking.
- Seeds from open-pollinated plants can be saved for next year or for a seed swap.
If you have more than you can use, share with fellow gardeners, neighbors or a local food pantry that accepts fresh produce.
Clear Spent Plants Thoughtfully
Not every plant needs to come out, but some should.
- Remove diseased plants. Plants with signs of blight, mildew or other disease should be pulled and disposed of according to your garden’s rules, not added to the shared compost, to avoid spreading problems next year.
- Remove annual vegetable plants that are finished, such as tomatoes, peppers, beans and squash.
- Take out stakes, cages and strings, clean them and store them.
- Consider leaving some healthy stems and seed heads of flowers, which can provide food and shelter for birds and beneficial insects over winter, if your garden’s rules allow.
Protect the Soil
Bare soil can wash away or compact over the winter. Covering it helps keep it healthy.
- Add a layer of shredded leaves or straw over empty beds as mulch.
- Spread compost on beds now so it can work into the soil over the winter.
- Plant a cover crop, if your garden allows and it is early enough in the season. Cover crops like winter rye are often planted in early fall in New England.
- Avoid working wet soil, which can damage its structure.
Take Care of Perennials and Garlic
- Cut back perennial herbs and flowers as recommended for each type, or leave them standing for winter interest and wildlife.
- Mulch perennial beds after the ground cools to protect roots.
- Fall is the traditional time to plant garlic in New England, usually a few weeks before the ground freezes. Plant cloves pointy end up and mulch well.
Clean and Store Tools
Tools last longer when they are cleaned and stored properly.
- Knock off dirt and rinse tools with water.
- Dry them completely to prevent rust.
- Sharpen pruners and hoes if needed.
- Wipe metal parts with a light coat of oil.
- Drain and coil hoses, and store them out of the cold.
- Return any shared tools to the garden shed and report anything broken.
Shut Down Water
Water lines and spigots can freeze and burst in winter. Most community gardens shut off water systems in the fall, often on a set date. Follow your garden’s instructions, and make sure:
- Hoses are disconnected and drained.
- Watering cans and buckets are emptied and stored upside down.
- Rain barrels are drained or disconnected, depending on the garden’s practice.
Tidy Shared Spaces
Community gardens depend on everyone pitching in. Before the season ends:
- Join any scheduled fall cleanup day.
- Pick up trash, plastic plant tags and debris around your plot and common paths.
- Turn or cover the shared compost pile as your garden directs.
- Help clear paths of leaves and fallen branches.
Make Notes for Next Year
Memory fades over the winter. Take a few minutes to write down:
- What grew well and what struggled
- Where each crop was planted, to help with crop rotation
- Any pest or disease problems
- Seeds or plants you want to try next year
- Repairs needed for raised beds, fences or trellises
A quick photo of your plot can also help you plan in spring.
Stay Connected Over the Winter
Community gardens are about community as much as vegetables. Consider organizing a winter potluck, seed catalog night or planning meeting with fellow gardeners. Share leftover seeds, swap tips and welcome new members.
Fall Plot-Closing Checklist
- Final harvest gathered and extras shared
- Diseased plants removed and disposed of properly
- Stakes, cages and supports cleaned and stored
- Soil covered with leaves, straw or compost
- Garlic planted, if desired
- Tools cleaned, dried and stored
- Hoses drained and water shut down per garden rules
- Notes and photos taken for next year
Welcoming New Gardeners for Spring
Many community gardens have waiting lists. If you will not be returning to your plot next year, let the coordinator know as early as possible so someone else can plan ahead. If you are staying, offer to mentor a new gardener in spring.
Quick check: What should you do with plants that show signs of disease at the end of the season?
- Add them to the shared compost pile
- Leave them standing over the winter
- Remove them and dispose of them according to garden rules, not in shared compost
Show answer
C. Remove them and dispose of them according to garden rules. Composting diseased plants can spread problems to next year’s crops.
