Fall in Southern Georgian Bay is a beautiful, crisp season, perfect for planting, preparing your garden for winter, and enjoying the last blooms of the year. With the right timing and care, your garden can thrive now and bloom brilliantly next spring.

1. Planting in Fall

Why Fall Planting Works

Cooler temperatures reduce plant stress.
Soil is still warm enough for roots to establish.
Rainfall helps plants settle in with minimal watering.

Ideal Fall Plants:

Bulbs for Spring Blooms: Tulips, Daffodils, Crocuses, Alliums, Muscari, Chionodoxa. Plant mid-September to early October.

Perennials: Hardy perennials like Hostas, Daylilies, Echinacea, and Sedum benefit from fall planting—they establish strong roots before winter.

Trees and Shrubs: Maples, Oaks, Lilacs, Evergreens. Plant before the first hard frost for best root establishment.

Cool-Season Vegetables: Garlic, Kale, Spinach, Lettuce. Plant early enough to mature before deep freeze.

Bulb Planting Tips

Plant 2–3× bulb height deep.

* Space larger bulbs 10–15 cm apart, smaller bulbs like crocus 5–8 cm apart.

Mulch lightly to insulate against early frosts.

2. Caring for Fall Plants

Watering: Even as rainfall increases, check soil for moisture. Newly planted perennials and bulbs still need consistent watering.

Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release fertilizer to trees, shrubs, and perennials to support root growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage top growth that may not survive winter.

Mulching: Apply 5–10 cm of mulch around perennials, shrubs, and trees. This stabilizes soil temperature and reduces frost heaving.

3. Garden Cleanup

Remove annuals that are finished; compost them if disease-free.

Trim perennials lightly, leaving some seed heads for birds.

Rake fallen leaves, but leave a light layer under shrubs for insulation.

4. Lawn Care

Final mow:  Lower your mower slightly for the last cut.

Aerate and overseed thin areas to strengthen your lawn for spring.

Fertilizewith a fall-specific lawn fertilizer high in potassium to encourage root growth.

5. Protecting Your Garden for Winter

Potted plants: Move tender perennials or Mums to a sheltered location or cover with burlap.

Trees & shrubs: Wrap or protect young or sensitive trees from deer and winter wind.

Watering evergreens: Water thoroughly before the ground freezes, so they start winter hydrated.

6. Seasonal Decor & Inspiration

Mums & ornamental kale:  Vibrant fall colours for porches and garden beds.

Pumpkins & gourds:  Great for containers or garden displays.

Evergreen boughs:  Cut or purchase branches for winter arrangements and natural mulch.

This guide ensures your garden is healthy, vibrant, and ready for spring in Southern Georgian Bay.