As the growing season winds down, gardeners can take steps now to protect their soil, support wildlife, and get a head start on next spring. But Penn State Extension Master Gardener Ashley Sexton says one important task shouldn’t be overlooked: weeding.

“People think that they don’t need to weed in the fall,” Sexton said in an interview with Radio Catskill. “You definitely want to do a final weeding in the fall before the weeds left in your garden go to seed and produce hundreds of new weeds for next year.”

Sexton recommends testing garden soil if it hasn’t been tested in a couple of years. Fall is also a good time to add compost and plant cover crops, such as buckwheat or red clover, to protect soil from erosion, compaction and winter weather.

“The best thing you can do for your garden next year is to start planning it now if you can,” she said.

Gardeners can also plant spring-flowering bulbs, including daffodils, and hyacinths, before a hard frost. Trees, shrubs and container-grown plants need enough time to establish roots before the ground freezes, making the coming weeks an important window for planting.

In vegetable gardens, Sexton recommends removing spent annuals, including tomato plants, and composting healthy plant material. Diseased plants, such as tomatoes affected by blight, should be kept out of the compost.

Not everything should be cut back, however. Leaving some perennials and ornamental grasses standing can provide winter interest and shelter for beneficial insects. Purple coneflower seed heads also provide food for goldfinches.

Sexton says gardeners can remove plants that look unsightly or leave a mess in spring, such as hostas, while allowing other plants to remain through winter.

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners program also has a seasonal activity planned. Its Holiday Greens Creation workshops are scheduled for Nov. 16 and 17 in Honesdale. Participants can make an evergreen wreath or swag using natural materials, with guidance from Master Gardeners.

The workshops are open to gardeners of all experience levels.

For gardening questions, residents can contact the Master Gardeners at wayne-mg@psu.edu and submit questions or photographs of plants for help identifying problems.