Fall Cleanup, Compost, Soil Protection and Garden Tool Storage

A productive spring garden starts with the work you do in the fall. Once the final vegetables are harvested and frost begins settling across Atlantic Canada, preparing your raised garden beds for winter can protect the soil, reduce pest and disease problems and make spring planting much easier.

Maritime winters bring repeated freezing and thawing, heavy rain, strong winds, snow and periods of saturated soil. Raised beds drain better than many in-ground gardens, but exposed soil can still erode, compact and lose nutrients if it is left unprotected.

From removing diseased plants to adding compost and draining garden hoses, this raised garden bed winter checklist will help you put your garden to rest properly.

Why Raised Garden Beds Need Fall Preparation

Raised beds are productive because they provide good drainage, warmer spring soil and greater control over soil quality. Their elevated design can also leave the soil more exposed to winter weather.

Without fall preparation, raised garden beds may experience:

• Soil erosion from rain and melting snow
• Nutrient loss
• Compaction
• Weed growth
• Overwintering pests
• Recurring plant diseases
• Damage to wooden boards or fasteners
• Frozen or cracked watering equipment
• A larger cleanup job in spring

Preparing raised garden beds before winter protects the investment you have made in your soil, plants and garden structure.

1. Finish Harvesting Before Winter

Begin by collecting the last usable vegetables and herbs. Some cold-tolerant crops can remain in the garden after light frost, while tender plants should be harvested before temperatures drop significantly.

Late-season crops may include:

• Carrots
• Beets
• Kale
• Swiss chard
• Leeks
• Spinach
• Brussels sprouts
• Parsnips
• Hardy herbs

Use your local forecast and the needs of each crop to determine when to harvest. Atlantic Canadian frost dates vary by province and even between inland and coastal communities.

Healthy root crops may be left in the soil temporarily under a protective layer of mulch, but harvest plans should account for frozen ground, wildlife and excessive moisture.

2. Remove Spent and Diseased Plants

Once harvesting is complete, remove annual vegetable plants, fallen fruit and other garden debris.

Pay particular attention to plants showing possible signs of disease, including:

• Spotted or discoloured leaves
• Powdery or fuzzy growth
• Blackened stems
• Unusual wilting
• Rotting roots or fruit
• Cankers or damaged plant tissue
• Significant insect infestations

Removing affected material can help reduce the chance of pests or plant diseases overwintering in the bed and returning next season.

Should Diseased Plants Go in the Compost?

Healthy plant material can generally be added to a properly managed compost pile. Diseased or heavily infested plants require more caution.

A typical backyard compost pile may not become hot enough throughout to destroy every plant pathogen, pest or weed seed. Keep questionable material out of your regular compost and dispose of it according to local municipal guidelines.

Do not leave diseased plants lying beside the raised bed or mix them back into the garden soil.

3. Remove Weeds Before They Produce Seed

Fall weeds compete for moisture and nutrients and may provide shelter for insects. Remove them before they mature and release seeds into the bed.

Pull weeds carefully, removing as much of the root system as possible. Pay special attention to perennial weeds that can survive winter and return from established roots in spring.

Do not place mature weeds containing seed heads into a cool backyard compost pile. The seeds may survive and spread when the compost is used later.

Feeds’n Needs carries garden gloves, hand cultivators, hoes, rakes and other tools to help with end-of-season garden cleanup. Product selection varies by location.

4. Inspect the Raised Bed Structure

With the plants removed, fall is a good time to examine the bed itself.

Check for:

• Loose boards
• Rotting wood
• Bowed or shifting sides
• Protruding screws or nails
• Rusted brackets
• Damaged corner joints
• Soil leaking from gaps
• Signs of rodents
• Poor drainage around the base

Tighten loose hardware and complete minor repairs before snow hides the damage. If a board is beginning to fail, replacing it in fall can prevent the bed from shifting under the weight of wet soil and snow.

Avoid using wood treatments that are not intended for use near edible gardens.

5. Add Compost to Raised Garden Beds in Fall

Fall is an excellent time to add finished compost to a raised bed. Compost adds organic matter, supports soil structure and helps replenish nutrients used during the growing season.

Spread a layer of finished compost over the bed’s surface. A modest top-dressing is usually enough; the appropriate amount will depend on the existing soil and the compost being used.

You may use:

• Fully finished compost
• Properly composted manure
• A suitable garden soil amendment
• A quality soil-and-compost blend

Only use well-composted manure around vegetable gardens. Fresh manure can contain excessive nutrients, weed seeds and potentially harmful microorganisms.

Feeds’n Needs offers seasonal soil, compost and manure-based garden amendments at select locations. Ask our team which option is appropriate for your raised garden beds and always follow package directions.

6. Test Before Adding Lime or Fertilizer

It can be tempting to add lime or fertilizer automatically during fall cleanup, but more is not always better.

A soil test can help determine:

• Soil pH
• Organic matter levels
• Nutrient availability
• Whether lime is required
• Which amendments may benefit the next crop

Applying lime without knowing the soil pH may make certain nutrients less available to plants. Similarly, unnecessary fertilizer can be lost through runoff or contribute to nutrient imbalances.

If testing recommends an amendment, follow the application rate carefully. Feeds’n Needs carries select lime, fertilizer and soil-improvement products, but product choice should be based on your soil conditions and intended crops.

7. Protect Bare Soil Through Winter

Do not leave raised garden bed soil completely bare if it can be avoided. Heavy rain, snowmelt and wind can move exposed soil and wash away nutrients.

A protective cover can also reduce compaction and limit winter weed growth.

Mulch

Apply an appropriate layer of:

• Clean straw
• Chopped leaves
• Leaf mulch
• Suitable untreated organic material

Mulch helps protect the soil surface from erosion and reduces damage caused by repeated freezing and thawing. Avoid thick, waterlogged layers that may mat down and restrict airflow.

Do not use plant material that is diseased, heavily infested or full of mature weed seeds.

Cover Crops

If there is enough growing time before hard frost, a suitable cover crop can help protect the soil and add organic matter.

The best cover crop will depend on:

• Planting date
• Local climate
• Bed size
• Winter hardiness
• Your spring planting schedule

Choose carefully and understand how the crop will be managed in spring. A cover crop should not become a weed or delay planting.

Garden Covers

A breathable garden cover can help keep leaves and debris from blowing into the bed. Secure it carefully so Atlantic Canadian wind does not carry it away.

Avoid sealing wet soil under non-breathable plastic for the entire winter. Trapped moisture can create poor conditions and plastic may tear under snow or ice.

8. Decide What Should Remain in the Bed

Not every plant needs to be removed.

Healthy perennial herbs and vegetables may remain, depending on their winter hardiness. These could include:

• Chives
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Asparagus
• Rhubarb
• Strawberries

Remove dead or diseased growth as appropriate and protect vulnerable roots with mulch. Some plants benefit from waiting until after frost before cutting back.

Do not assume every perennial will survive an Atlantic Canadian winter in a raised bed. Elevated soil can become colder than surrounding ground, especially when the bed is exposed to wind. Check the hardiness requirements for each plant.

9. Clean and Store Stakes, Cages and Supports

Tomato cages, trellises, plant stakes and garden ties can carry soil and plant debris from one season to the next.

Before storage:

1. Remove vines, roots and old ties.
2. Brush away soil and debris.
3. Wash reusable supports.
4. Allow everything to dry completely.
5. Inspect for cracks, rust or sharp edges.
6. Store items in a dry, sheltered area.

Discard damaged supports that cannot be used safely. Organize stakes and cages by size so they are easy to find during spring planting.

Cleaning reusable garden supports also reduces the amount of old plant material left available to harbour pests.

10. Clean and Store Garden Tools

Soil and moisture can cause rust, dull blades and damage wooden handles. A few minutes of fall maintenance can extend the life of your tools.

Garden Tool Storage Checklist

• Remove all soil and plant debris.
• Wash tools when necessary.
• Dry them thoroughly.
• Sharpen pruners, hoes and shovel edges if appropriate.
• Inspect handles for cracks or splinters.
• Tighten loose screws and fasteners.
• Store tools off the floor in a dry location.
• Keep sharp tools safely away from children and pets.

Clean cutting tools between diseased and healthy plants during the season and before winter storage. Use a cleaning or disinfecting method appropriate for the tool material and allow it to dry completely.

Feeds’n Needs carries work gloves, rakes, shovels, hand tools and seasonal garden accessories to help complete fall garden cleanup.

11. Drain and Store Hoses and Watering Equipment

Water left inside a hose, nozzle or watering wand can freeze, expand and cause cracking.

Before freezing temperatures arrive:

• Disconnect hoses from outdoor taps.
• Drain hoses completely.
• Remove nozzles and watering wands.
• Empty watering cans and portable containers.
• Drain irrigation lines according to manufacturer directions.
• Store hoses loosely coiled in a sheltered location.
• Shut off and drain outdoor plumbing where applicable.
• Inspect washers and fittings for wear.

Avoid hanging a hose tightly from one point, as this can create kinks or stress the material. A hose reel or broad wall hanger provides better support.

If you use timers, filters or pressure regulators, remove and store them before hard freezes unless the manufacturer states they are designed for winter exposure.

12. Record What Grew in Each Bed

Before snow covers the garden, make a simple map of what was planted in each raised bed.

Record:

• Crops grown
• Varieties that performed well
• Pest or disease problems
• Compost and amendments added
• Areas with poor drainage
• Crops that struggled
• Harvest timing
• Plans for crop rotation

Garden records can make spring planning easier and help prevent planting closely related vegetables in the same location year after year.

Raised Garden Bed Winter Checklist

Before winter arrives:

• Harvest remaining vegetables.
• Remove spent annual plants.
• Separate diseased material from healthy compostable debris.
• Pull weeds before they produce seed.
• Remove fallen or rotting produce.
• Inspect boards, corners and hardware.
• Add finished compost where appropriate.
• Test soil before applying lime or fertilizer.
• Cover bare soil with mulch or another suitable option.
• Protect overwintering perennials.
• Clean and store cages, stakes and trellises.
• Clean, dry and organize garden tools.
• Drain and store hoses and watering equipment.
• Record crops, problems and amendments.
• Secure all covers against wind.

Give Next Year’s Garden a Better Start

Preparing raised garden beds for winter does more than make the yard look tidy. It protects valuable soil, reduces potential pest and disease problems and creates better conditions for spring planting.

Atlantic Canadian weather can be hard on exposed gardens, but removing diseased plants, adding finished compost, protecting bare soil and properly storing garden equipment can help your raised beds handle the months ahead.

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs for seasonal compost, soil amendments, mulch options, gloves, garden tools, hose accessories and other supplies for your fall garden cleanup. Product availability varies by store location.

Hay Storage & Hay Quality Guide for Fall: How to Inspect, Store & Protect Your Hay for Winter in Atlantic Canada

As summer winds down, many livestock and horse owners shift their focus toward one of the most important jobs of the season—preparing hay for fall and winter. 

Whether you’re feeding a few backyard sheep, a small family horse barn, or a commercial cattle operation, the quality of the hay you store this fall will directly impact the health of your animals throughout the winter months. 

Atlantic Canada’s unpredictable weather brings unique challenges. Late summer humidity, hurricane season, and early fall rain can quickly turn quality hay into wasted feed if it isn’t stored correctly. 

Here’s how to evaluate your hay, improve storage conditions, and ensure your livestock have a safe, nutritious feed supply all winter long. 

 

Why Hay Quality Matters 

Hay isn’t just filler—it’s often the primary source of fiber and nutrition for livestock throughout the winter.
Poor-quality hay can result in: 

• Weight loss
• Reduced milk production 
• Lower body condition 
• Increased feed waste 
• Respiratory issues from mold or dust 
• Digestive problems
  Taking the time to inspect your hay now can prevent costly problems later in the season. 

 

Step 1: Evaluate Your Current Hay Supply
Before purchasing additional hay, take inventory of what you already have. 

Ask yourself: 

• How many bales remain? 
• Are they dry and well stored? 
• Has any hay become moldy or weather damaged? 
• Will your current inventory last until spring?
  Many producers underestimate winter feed requirements. 

As a general guideline, horses and livestock consume approximately 2–3% of their body weight daily in forage, depending on species, age, workload, and production stage. 

If your numbers look tight, now is the time to secure additional hay before supplies become limited. 

 

Step 2: Check Every Bale 

Not all hay is created equal.
When evaluating square or round bales, inspect for: 

• Color: Good hay should remain green to light green. Excessively brown or faded hay may have lost valuable nutrients. 

• Smell: Quality hay has a fresh, sweet smell. 

Avoid hay that smells: Musty, Sour, Damp, Mold; These are signs moisture has entered the bale. 

• Texture: Hay should feel dry and springy—not wet or slimy. Overly dusty hay can contribute to respiratory irritation, especially in horses. 

• Watch for Mold: Never feed moldy hay. Mold spores may not always be visible but can seriously affect horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and other livestock. 

Look for: 

• White or grey fuzzy patches
• Black discoloration
• Excessive heating 
• Damp pockets within round bales
  When in doubt, don’t feed questionable hay. 

 

Step 3: Inspect Your Hay Storage Area 

Your barn protects more than your equipment—it protects your winter feed investment.
Late summer is the perfect time to inspect your storage before fall weather arrives. 

Walk through your hay storage and check for: 

• Roof leaks
• Missing shingles 
• Loose metal roofing 
• Soft spots in the ceiling 
• Wet walls 
• Broken siding 
• Cracked foundations allowing water inside 

Atlantic Canada often experiences tropical storms and hurricanes well into the fall. 

One unnoticed roof leak can ruin dozens of bales during a single heavy rain event.
Repair these issues before your barn is full for winter. 

 

Step 4: Make Airflow a Priority 

Even perfectly dry hay needs ventilation.
Without proper airflow, moisture becomes trapped, increasing the risk of: 

• Mold 
• Heating 
• Spoilage 
• Fire hazards 

For best results: 

• Leave space between stacks and walls. 
• Keep aisles open for air movement. 
• Avoid packing bales too tightly. 
• Open barn doors on dry days to improve ventilation. 
• Use fans where natural airflow is limited. 
• Round bales stored outside should never sit directly on the ground.
  Use pallets, crushed stone, or a well-drained pad to reduce moisture absorption from below. 

 

Step 5: Store Hay Off the Floor 

Ground moisture slowly moves upward into stored hay. Even concrete floors can transfer moisture over time. 

Use: 

• Wooden pallets
• Landscape timbers 
• Railroad ties 
• Hay racks 
• Keeping hay elevated improves airflow underneath while reducing spoilage. 

 

Step 6: Rotate Older Hay First 

Practice “first in, first out.”
Use older hay before newly harvested bales. This helps maintain feed quality while reducing unnecessary waste.
Mark different hay lots or harvest dates if possible, to make rotation easier throughout winter. 

 

Step 7: Plan Before Supplies Tighten 

Many Atlantic Canadian producers begin purchasing winter hay in late summer and early fall.
Waiting until the first snowfall—or after a poor second cut—can mean: 

• Higher prices 
• Limited selection 
• Longer delivery times 
• Lower-quality hay 

If your inventory appears short, don’t wait until October or November to start looking. Planning ahead gives you more options and helps avoid emergency purchases later in the season. 

 

 A Few Minutes Today Can Save You All Winter 

Hay is one of the biggest investments many farms make each year. 

Spending an afternoon inspecting your hay, repairing storage areas, and calculating your winter feed requirements can prevent unnecessary waste and help keep your animals healthy throughout the colder months. 

Whether you’re feeding two backyard goats or managing a barn full of horses, proper hay storage is one of the simplest ways to protect both your animals and your investment. 

At Feeds’n Needs, we’re here to help you prepare for the season ahead with quality livestock feeds, horse nutrition, minerals, bedding, feeders, and the supplies you need for a successful fall and winter. 

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs store and let our team help you get ready before winter arrives. 

 

Is pasture enough for horses in the summer?
Understanding nutrition gaps, Grazing management & Supplement needs 

For many horse owners across Atlantic Canada, summer means lush green fields, longer grazing hours, and horses spending more time outdoors. It’s easy to assume that a horse surrounded by green grass is receiving all the nutrition they need. 

While quality pasture can be an excellent source of forage, energy, and fiber, it doesn’t always provide a complete nutritional package. Factors such as weather, grazing pressure, soil health, and seasonal changes can significantly impact the nutritional value of pasture throughout the summer. 

Whether you own a retired pasture companion, a growing youngster, a senior horse, or an active performance horse, understanding the strengths and limitations of pasture is an important part of managing your horse’s health. 

 The benefits of summer pasture
Healthy pasture offer several advantages for horses: 

• Natural forage and fiber 
• Consistent movement and grazing behavior 
• A source of calories and energy 
• Improved mental well-being 
• Reduced reliance on stored feeds 

In ideal conditions, pasture can contribute to a significant portion of a horse’s daily nutritional needs. However, “green” doesn’t always mean “nutritionally complete.” 

 

Why pasture quality changes throughout the summer
Your Pasture is constantly changing. What your horse grazes in May can be very different from what they consume in July or August. Several factors influence pasture quality: 

Overgrazing: One of the most common pasture management challenges is overgrazing.
When horses repeatedly graze the same area, grass plants are unable to recover properly. Over time, desirable forage species decline, weeds become more prevalent, and overall forage production decreases.
Overgrazed pastures often look green from a distance but provide significantly less nutrition than healthy, actively growing grass. 

Weather and drought stress: Atlantic Canada’s weather can vary dramatically throughout the summer. Extended dry periods slow grass growth and reduce forage availability. Even when grass remains present, drought-stressed plants often contain lower nutritional value than actively growing pasture. 

Seasonal changes: As grasses mature, their nutritional profile changes. Early-season pasture tends to be higher in digestible energy and protein, while mature summer pasture often contains more fiber and fewer readily available nutrients. 

Soil health and nutrient levels: The nutritional value of pasture starts with the soil. Pastures that haven’t been soil tested or properly managed may lack important nutrients needed to support healthy forage growth. This can ultimately affect the nutritional quality of the grass available to horses. 

 

The importance of pasture rotation
One of the best ways to improve pasture quality is through rotational grazing. Pasture rotation involves dividing fields into smaller sections and moving horses periodically to allow the grazed areas time to recover. 

Benefits of rotational grazing include: 

• Healthier root systems 
• Improved forage production 
• Reduced weed pressure 
• Better drought resilience 
• More consistent nutritional value 
• Less soil compaction and erosion 

Allowing grass to have adequate recovery time helps maintain a healthier pasture throughout the growing season and can significantly extend grazing availability. 

Even small hobby farms can benefit from simple rotation systems using temporary fencing to create separate grazing areas. 

 

How to support your horse on pasture
The best feeding programs start with regular observation and evaluation.
Monitor your horse’s: 

• Body condition score 
• Weight and topline 
• Coat quality 
• Energy levels 
• Hoof condition 
• Overall health 

 

Depending on your horse’s needs, nutritional support may include: 

• Vitamin and mineral supplements 
• Salt blocks or loose salt 
• Additional hay during dry periods 
• Concentrates or feeds for working horses 
• Senior-specific feeds 
• Protein or energy supplementation when needed 

Every horse and pasture system is different, making an individualized approach important. 

 

Pasture is one of the most valuable tools available to horse owners, but it isn’t always a complete feeding program on its own. 

Changes in weather, grazing pressure, soil health, and seasonal growth can all impact the nutritional value of your pasture throughout the summer. By practicing good pasture management, utilizing rotational grazing, and monitoring your horse’s condition regularly, you can help ensure they receive the nutrition they need. 

If you’re unsure whether your horse’s pasture is meeting their nutritional requirements, visit your local Feeds’n Needs store. Our knowledgeable team can help you select the right feeds, supplements, minerals, and forage solutions to support your horse’s health all summer long. 

 

Nesting Boxes: Prep Your Backyard for Spring Birds!

As winter fades and the first signs of spring begin to appear, birds across your neighbourhood are searching for safe, cozy places to raise their young. Adding nesting boxes to your backyard is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to support local bird populations while enjoying a little more feathered charm right outside your window. Here’s how to get your backyard spring‑ready for nesting season!

Why Nesting Boxes Matter
Natural tree cavities are becoming harder for birds to find, especially in urban and suburban areas. Nesting boxes provide:

• Safe shelter from predators
• Protection from spring weather
• A dedicated space for raising chicks
• A way to attract more bird species to your backyard

From chickadees to bluebirds, many species rely on human‑made nest boxes as part of their spring routine.

Choose the Right Nesting Box
Not all birds use the same type of nest box. Before buying or installing one, consider:

Hole Size
Different birds need different entrance sizes:

• Chickadees: ~1 1/8″
• Bluebirds: ~1 1/2″
• Tree swallows: ~1 1/2″

Matching the size helps attract the right species and keep unwanted visitors out.

Material
Look for untreated wood (pine, cedar, spruce). Avoid plastic or thin materials, which can trap heat and moisture.

Ventilation & Drainage
Quality nesting boxes include vents at the top and drainage at the bottom to keep chicks dry and comfortable.

 

Where to Place Your Nesting Box
Placement matters! For best success:

• Mount boxes 5–10 feet off the ground
• Face them east or southeast to avoid harsh afternoon sun
• Keep away from heavy foot traffic and high‑activity areas
• Space boxes well apart to reduce competition between species
• Ensure there’s open flight access to avoid thick branches blocking the entrance

If you’re installing multiple boxes for species like bluebirds or tree swallows, consider placing them in pairs or clusters to reduce territorial disputes.

 

Clean & Prep Before Spring
Before birds begin searching for homes (usually late February into March), take a few minutes to:

• Clean out old nesting material
• Remove debris, broken pieces, or old bedding
• Check screws, roofs, and panels for winter wear
• Make sure drainage holes are clear
• Secure the box tightly so it won’t wobble in the wind

A clean, sturdy box increases your chances of hosting a successful brood.

 

Help Make Nesting Season a Success
Little touches can make your yard even more inviting:

• Offer natural nesting materials like twigs, dried grasses, or pet‑safe fur
• Provide fresh water in a clean birdbath
• Avoid using pesticides as birds rely on insects to feed their chicks
• Add bird feeders nearby to help parents refuel throughout the day

A supportive environment encourages birds to stay and return year after year.

 

Enjoy a Spring Full of Song
Setting up nesting boxes is a simple, affordable way to enjoy more bird activity this spring while supporting local wildlife. With the right placement, maintenance, and materials, your backyard could become a safe nursery for some of your favourite feathered friends.