5 min readIf you love to dig in the dirt, it’s never too early to think about next year’s garden. While this year’s growing season is winding down, planning ahead can save you money and time next spring. Most garden centers, local nurseries, and online vendors are clearing out stock now. Plus, anything you buy now will be ready for the first sunny days next spring when you can’t wait to get outdoors again.
“Fall is the ideal time to take advantage of opportunities like helping garden centers clear out what they can’t store over winter or sell the following year,” says Stephanie Rose, author of The Wild & Free Garden and founder of Garden Therapy. “This is also true for the secondhand marketplace, as many neighbors will want to rehome garden supplies and plants, particularly perennial divisions, to avoid winter storage. Check your community buy-and-sell groups in fall to stock up for the spring garden.”
As a garden writer, my personal favorite stock-up item this time of year is garden gloves. I typically go through two to three pairs of the nitrile-coated gloves per season. Because you can toss them in the washer after use, I like to keep a few pairs on hand—so I’m always grabbing a second or third pair when I see them on sale in the fall.
Ahead, here’s what else gardening experts say to stock up on now to save money and get ready for next spring.
Compost, Mulch, and Soil Amendments
Spreading compost or amendments in garden beds now gives them more time to work into the soil before spring planting season, and you’ll probably find some good deals on them.
“I also like to stock up on end of season mulch so it’s there in the spring when I want it,” says Natalie Carmolli, public relations specialist and shrub expert with Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs. “Just be sure to cover it so it doesn’t get waterlogged in the winter.” Stash a bag or two in your shed or under tarps so it’s ready for early spring plantings without needing to make a trip to the home store.
Pots and Planters
Even if you’re careful, outdoor containers get weathered and don’t last forever.
“Look especially for decorative containers, which can get really expensive. If you know you'll need some next year, fall clearance is a great time to grab them,” says landscape designer Katherine Aul Cervoni, founder and principal of Staghorn NYC. “Pottery Barn and Rejuvenation have some of my favorites.”
And if it’s time to repot some of your houseplants that have outgrown their containers, you’ll find some deals now.
Garden Decor
“Anything that retailers don’t want to store for the season is easy to pick up at a discount,” says Rose. “Lanterns, string lights, and pathway lights are fabulous finds for fall, given that the days are shorter and a little extra lighting will help extend your time in the garden.”
Shrubs
You may think it’s too late to plant, but fall actually is one of the best times to plant deciduous shrubs!
“Cooler air and warm soil let roots establish without summer heat stress, so plants come out of dormancy in spring with a head start,” says Carmolli. “The exception is evergreens: they don’t love being planted late in the season and are better off waiting until spring. Because they don’t go dormant, planting them before their roots have a chance to get fully established can hurt their survival.”
Perennials
The same goes for perennials. “They get deeply discounted in fall when they are finished blooming,” says Rose. “Garden centers won’t want to spend a year tending to them, so they will often price them on clearance. Fall is the best time to plant perennials, so you can do a major garden glow-up on a budget.”
Hand Tools
Are your pruning shears dull and don’t cut cleanly any longer? Is the handle on your trowel loose? Do you need a sturdier garden spade? Autumn is a great time to replace and upgrade tools.
“Grab them now when you’re thinking about it,” says horticulturist Justin Hancock, director of research and development and horticultural content with Costa Farms and author of The New Complete Guide to Houseplants. “Plus you’ll usually find them on clearance in the fall.”
Seeds
“As long as they're stored somewhere cool and dry, most seeds will keep for at least a few years,” says Cervoni. “Heads up, though: some varieties, such as carrots and spinach, have a much shorter shelf life of one year tops.”
Seed-Starting Supplies
Think trays, heat mats, starter pots, and seed-starting mix. If you start seeds indoors in late winter to early spring, any supplies you find now will likely be cheaper than in February when they hit the shelves again, says Carmolli.
Plant Supports
Tomato cages, trellises, stakes, and plant rings are things you don't necessarily think about until you need them, and then suddenly you're scrambling to find them.
“I personally am going to invest in a taller tomato cage for my cherry tomatoes since they always end up taller than I remember,” says Cervoni.
Watering Supplies
Hose nozzles, watering wands, sprinklers, and other fittings are a great category for purchasing in the fall.
“I feel like there's always something that needs replacing come spring and you'll be happy you already have them on hand once the warm weather arrives,” says Cervoni.
Grow Lights
Whether you’re planning to start seeds indoors next spring, bringing houseplants indoors to overwinter, or you just want to give your year-round houseplants an extra boost of light during the dark winter months, consider buying grow lights.
“If you want to keep your houseplants growing optimally through the winter, investing in some supplemental lighting can make a big difference as days grow shorter and the light gets more intense,” says Hancock. “You don’t necessarily need fancy and expensive plant lights. Even an LED light can give your houseplants a little extra boost.”
Spring-Flowering Bulbs
Fall is the time to buy these anyway, but you can sometimes find great deals late in the season. Get them planted before the ground freezes. This varies by zone, but it’s typically no later than the end of the year across most zones because bulbs need time in the ground to stimulate spring blooming, says Cervoni.
Plant and Gardening Books
What’s better than curling up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa as the weather gets too cold to garden?
“Fall is the perfect time to buy gardening and houseplant books so you can dig in and get information and inspiration all winter long for an even more successful spring garden, keeping your green thumb alive all winter,” says Hancock.
