ALEXANDRIA — As the growing season comes to an end, it is helpful to clean and put your garden to bed for the winter. A good fall cleanup provides multiple benefits for gardeners – it reduces weed populations and disease, minimizes plant insect pests, prevents rodent infestation, and eases the workload for next year’s spring planting.

Here are eight steps toward preparing your garden for the winter.

For more information about gardening, visit www.extension.umn.edu .

Until next time, happy gardening!

“Autumn leaves don't fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.” – Delia Owens, "Where the Crawdads Sing"

Robin Trott is a horticulture educator with University of Minnesota Extension. Contact her at 320-762-3890, or at trot0053@umn.