Though summer isn’t over yet, there comes a time when I look at my garden and and just know that it’s time to prep it for winter. Maybe it’s the drooping tomato vines that once held such promise. Or the wilting basil that’s given all its can. Either way, the truth is undeniable—summer’s nearly over, and it’s time to prep the garden for the long, cold months ahead.
But here’s the thing: putting your garden to bed doesn’t have to be a sad farewell. Think of it more like tucking in a dear friend with a cozy quilt, a cup of tea, and a whispered, “See you in the spring.”
So, before frost steals the last of the green, here’s what I do:
🌱 Say Goodbye with Purpose
Pull up anything that’s done producing. If it’s healthy, compost it. If it’s diseased, trash it. No sense giving trouble a head start next year.
🧄 Plant Garlic Now, Reap in Summer
Garlic is the gift that gives you hope through winter. Tuck cloves in now, mulch them, and next summer you’ll thank yourself.
🍂 Mulch Like You Mean It
A thick layer of mulch protects your soil, keeps weeds down, and honestly just makes everything look tidier. It’s like a flannel blanket for your raised beds.
🌿 Harvest What You Can—Then Dry It
Snip the last of your herbs and hang them to dry. Rosemary, thyme, mint… you’ll be seasoning soups like a skilled prepper all winter long. I also pot some of my apple mint and chocolate mint to keep on a wind sill and add the fresh leaves to my tea. The chocolate mint leaves add a nice touch to a cup of hot cocoa.
🔧 Prep Your Tools, Too
Wipe down and sharpen your tools before storing them. You’ll be glad come spring when you’re not trying to pry open rusted shears with a butter knife.
🌼 Start a Garden Journal
Jot down what worked, what didn’t, and which plant tried to take over the world. (Looking at you, pickling cucumbers.) Your future self will appreciate the notes. I take photos of some of mine to add to the journal and remind me what worked where and what didn’t. You don’t need to spend a lot on a journal. Mine, as you can see in the photo, is a plain decomposition book that I used colored pencils on to fancy it up a bit. And you can tell by the pages sticking out of it that I love cutting gardening photos out of magazines, yes I am a magazine nut, to add to my journal. I must admit though, it is really helpful being part owner of a garden center with my brother.
And finally… take a moment to appreciate all the garden did give you this year. A few salads, a couple bouquets, maybe a cucumber the size of a dachshund—it all counts.
Next season will come, the soil will thaw, and the growing will begin again. Unless, of course, you live in an area where you can garden all year long, lucky you! Until then, I’ll be sipping tea, flipping through seed catalogs, and enjoying the satisfaction of a garden well put to rest.
Stay prepped and prepared,
Pepper
