Welcome back to Can You Dig It? Summer season 2025 is done. Did you reach any milestones? Kept all garden/farm goals and intentions? No fret if things did not turn out how you expected, but these last minute activities may work in your favor if you have the energy to do these things before the ground freezes.
Clean and Sharpen Your Tools
You would think that this should be last, but with the cost of tools always increasing, we should assure as best we can that the tools we do have are not harboring and spreading disease. Sharp tools make gardening easier and cause cleaner cuts that are better for plants.
How: Wash off all soil with water and a wire brush. Wipe metal surfaces with an oily rag (linseed oil or even motor oil) to prevent rust. Sharpen hoes, shovels, and pruners with a file. Sand wooden handles and rub them with linseed oil.
The #1 Priority: Plant a Cover Crop (“Green Manure” in the catalogs)
If you can only do one thing before the ground freezes, this is it.
● Why: Cover crops prevent winter erosion, suppress early spring weeds, and their roots break up compacted soil. When turned under in spring, they decompose and add massive amounts of organic matter, feeding the entire soil food web.
● What to Use: Winter Rye (also called cereal rye) is the Michael Jordan for our climate. It grows vigorously in cool weather and survives the winter. Oats are a good alternative. They will winter-kill (making them easier to turn in spring) but can also provide excellent ground cover.
● How: Scatter seeds over any cleared garden bed and lightly rake them in. Do this ASAP in early October to allow time for establishment before a hard freeze.
Need a blanket in winter?
So does your soil
Protect your soil from the harsh winter elements exactly as nature does—by covering it.
● Why: Mulch insulates soil microbes, prevents erosion from wind and rain, and suppresses weed seeds. As it breaks down, it adds organic matter.
● What to Use: Shredded Leaves are the perfect FREE, nutrient-rich resource! But in order to utilize them properly, you really need to run over fallen leaves with a lawn mower to shred them (whole leaves can form a mat that sheds water). If you prefer to pass on the leaves, use straw not hay.
● How: Pile on a 3-6 inch layer over your garden beds, around perennial plants, and on top of any areas you couldn’t plant with a cover crop.

Feeding the soil with slow-release organic amendments
Fall is the ideal time to add nutrients that will break down slowly and be ready for plant roots in spring.
● Why: Cold weather and moisture allow microbes to gradually break down amendments, enriching the soil without the risk of losing nutrients you spent time building.
● What to Use:
○ Compost: The cornerstone of organic gardening. Spread a 1-2 inch layer over your beds or pots.
○ Leaf Mold: Decomposed leaves are a fantastic soil conditioner.
○ Manure: Use only well-aged composted manure (from a trusted source). Fresh manure can burn plants and harbor pathogens.
○ Kelp Meal or Greensand: Provides a slow release of micronutrients and potassium.
● How: Simply spread these amendments on top of your bed. You can lightly rake them in, but there’s no need to deeply till. The winter freeze-thaw cycles will help incorporate them.
Leave Some Roots and Stems
I must admit that I will struggle with this one, but it’s important to resist the urge to make the garden/farm completely spotless.
● Why: Standing dead plant stems (from native perennials, sunflowers, etc.) provide crucial overwintering habitat for beneficial insects, native bees, and other pollinators. Their roots also help prevent soil erosion throughout the winter.
● How: After harvesting, cut down annual vegetable plants but leave their roots in the ground to decompose and create channels for air and water. Designate an area where you can leave perennials and ornamental grasses standing until spring.
Thank you for your time, and as always, to share or ask any farm or gardening questions please reach out to canyoudigit413@gmail.com ■