October usually signals the end of the gardening season, but it can be a great time to get a head start if you want to refresh your garden. Whether you plan to replant this winter or get ready for spring, now is a great time to pick up your fork and begin digging.

So, why choose October? The conditions are usually just right. The soil is generally easier to work with and drier than it will be later in winter or early spring. There is still enough daylight to get things done. By working now, you can finish the tough jobs before thes. days get shorter and colder. Doing this work ahead of time means you’ll have more time to enjoy planting and growing when spring arrives.

If you have a large area to work on, try breaking the job into smaller parts. Just 30 minutes a week, or two 15-minute sessions, can make a big difference. Taking it slow and steady is much better than trying to do everything at once. Listen to a podcast or some music while you work, and you might be surprised at how quickly you make progress.

When you dig, you don’t have to break up the soil completely. One helpful tip for autumn is to leave the small clumps as they are. Skip the raking and smoothing for now. The winter weather will take care of it, as freezing, thawing, and rain will break the clumps down for you. By spring, your soil will be in great shape for planting, and you’ll have saved yourself some effort while giving your plants a strong start.