By Andi Anderson
As cool autumn air settles over Iowa, garden experts stress that fall cleanup is more than a seasonal chore—it is key to preventing plant diseases in the coming year. Specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach warn that gardens left untended can harbor pathogens that will strike again when spring rains arrive.
Diseases such as powdery mildew, rose black spot, tomato early blight, and septoria leaf spot can overwinter in fallen leaves and dead stems. “If infected plant debris is left to linger through the winter, gardens become an overwintering site for disease-causing pathogens,” said Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist. Removing infected foliage and cleaning garden structures break the cycle of infection.
Chelsea Harbach, plant disease diagnostician at Iowa State University, calls fall cleanup a strategic step for healthy gardens. Cutting back perennials, discarding diseased leaves, and removing rotting vegetables reduce the reservoir of spores and bacteria. “A clean garden in the fall is your best insurance for a healthy start in spring,” she explained.
Vegetable gardens need the most thorough cleanup. Experts advise removing plant debris, fallen produce, and washing support structures such as tomato cages. After clearing, gardeners may plant a cover crop or spread mulch to protect soil and suppress weeds through winter.
Perennial beds require a balanced approach. While diseased materials like hollyhocks with rust or lilac leaves with mildew should be removed and discarded—not composted—healthy stems and leaves can remain to shelter beneficial insects and provide food for birds.
Beyond disease control, fall cleanup offers a chance to reflect on the past season. Gardeners can review which crops thrived, plan crop rotations, and select disease-resistant varieties for the next year. By acting now, Iowa gardeners can ensure vibrant, healthy plants and a strong start when spring returns.
Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle