Across the Fence Must-do garden tasks

Readers share the outdoor tasks they always finish before colder weather arrives.

After gardening organically for more than 30 years, I mulch all our beds with shredded leaves each autumn. It’s great for the plants and soil, and birds love all the insects they find in the leaves. Lisa Malmberg GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN

I dig up the amaryllis bulb that I planted in spring and place it in a bag in a dark area to grow again later.

Holly Ferkett PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

I’m sure to clean all my garden utensils thoroughly and store them for easy access in spring.

Joan Heid CHESTER, SOUTH CAROLINA

Turning over the vegetable garden soil. I do it in the fall because I’m six months younger than I will be the following spring! Pam Soetaert LAMPE, MISSOURI

Along with diseaseand insect-free garden debris, I make a pile of leaves in my yard. In spring, I use this mulch to cover potatoes and put around my plants.

Greg Mandigo

ALMA CENTER, WISCONSIN

My list includes emptying pots and storing them, digging up calla lily tubers and removing all my ceramic garden decor. Phew—i’m tired just thinking about it.

Judy Roberts GRAYTOWN, OHIO