Getting a backyard ready for the shift from fall into winter, and then for the return of spring, calls for a mix of garden cleanup, safe storage of fuels and equipment, and a few protective steps for hard surfaces and firewood. The tasks are straightforward, but timing and method matter. This guide walks through the key actions, drawing on advice from university extension, fire safety agencies, and wood research experts.

Short version: Clean up vegetable beds and plant cover crops in fall; store gasoline and propane containers in a cool, ventilated space away from the house; clean the grill and dispose of cooled coals in a metal can; clean and, if needed, refinish wood decks with a penetrating finish in warm, dry weather; stack firewood off the ground with only the top covered; and put away cords and equipment dry.

Fall Garden Cleanup and Planting

The University of Minnesota Extension’s Upper Midwest home garden care calendar provides a useful framework for seasonal yard work, even if your climate differs. In fall, the calendar recommends cleaning up the vegetable garden during October and November. Removing spent plants and debris reduces places where pests and diseases can overwinter.

As part of that fall cleanup, the Extension suggests direct seeding overwintering cover crops such as winter wheat, winter rye, or hairy vetch in October. Earlier in September, you can sow cover crops like peas, oats, ryegrass, rapeseed, and winter rye that will either die over winter or survive into spring, depending on the species. These plantings protect soil from erosion and add organic matter. For gardeners who want a jump on spring, the calendar notes that spring bulbs should be planted from the second week of September through mid-November.

When spring arrives, the same calendar advises cutting back perennials in March and April. Cool-season vegetables like brassicas, spinach, and cold-tolerant lettuces can be direct seeded or transplanted in April. Moderately cold-tolerant crops such as carrots, beets, and potatoes go in during the last week of April. Heat-loving vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, beans, sweet corn) wait until mid to late May or the first week of June. Dividing perennials is best done from the second week of April through the third week of June. If you are planning new planting beds or refreshing existing ones, the seasonal preparation page has more detailed timelines.

Storing Gasoline and Propane Safely

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), portable fuel containers should be stored in well-ventilated, cool areas only. Never keep a gas can inside a house, basement, or near any source of ignition such as a fuel-burning appliance, open flame, pilot light, stove, heater, or electric mower. The CPSC also stresses that gas cans should be placed on the ground when filling at a service station, and that caps must be replaced after each use.

For propane cylinders, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) explains that NFPA 58, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, covers storage, handling, and use of LP-Gas. A common rule of thumb in the field is “58 at the Gate, 54 under the Floor,” meaning NFPA 58 applies outside the home (before the final pressure regulator) and NFPA 54 applies inside. The NFPA fact sheet notes that buildings frequented by the public are limited to cylinders with a propane capacity of 1 pound, and the total quantity stored is limited to 200 pounds of propane. Buildings not frequented by the public have a maximum of 300 pounds, with no restriction on cylinder size. Regardless of quantity, cylinders should be kept in a secure, well-ventilated outdoor location away from ignition sources. If you have questions about local requirements, check with your fire department or building department.

Grill Cleaning and Charcoal Disposal

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) reminds everyone to use propane, charcoal, and wood pellet grills only outdoors. Indoor use can cause fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Place the grill well away from siding, deck railings, eaves, and overhanging branches. The USFA recommends keeping a 3-foot safe zone around the grill, clear of kids and pets.

After cooking, clean the grill to remove grease that can start a fire. The USFA advises cleaning after each use. For charcoal grills, let the coals cool completely, then place them in a metal can with a lid. Never store or use a grill on a porch or balcony. When lighting a gas grill, open the lid first. Stay with a lit grill and do not walk away. These habits are part of a broader outdoor cooking safety routine that also includes keeping a fire extinguisher or hose nearby.

Deck Care: Cleaning and Refinishing

The USDA Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) advises that wood decks benefit from a penetrating finish rather than a film-forming one like paint or solid-color stain. Penetrating finishes, such as water-repellent preservatives (WRPs) and semitransparent stains, move into the wood and do not form a surface layer that can blister or peel. The FPL notes that a WRP finish typically has a service life of about one year on exposed deck surfaces, but it is the easiest finish to reapply and soaks well into end grain.

If a deck has a factory-applied water-repellent finish or was recently treated with a WRP, a semitransparent stain may not absorb properly. The FPL recommends letting the wood weather for two to three months before applying such a stain. Waiting up to a year can open the wood further and allow more finish to soak in, but it also increases the risk of significant checking and cracking. The FPL states that most decks are retired because of cracks and checks that could have been avoided by timely finishing.

To restore the look of a weathered deck, the FPL suggests using commercial deck cleaners, brighteners, or restorers. These products remove mildew and dirt without adding color. A household bleach solution can also remove mildew: dilute bleach with three parts water and add some detergent. Do not use a detergent containing ammonia, because ammonia reacts with bleach to form a toxic gas. After cleaning, rinse the deck with water and allow at least two warm, windy days for the wood to dry before applying any finish. For more on deck upkeep, see the decks section.

Firewood Storage for Winter Burning

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Burn Wise program, which ran from 2009 to 2025, offers clear guidance on storing firewood. Wood should be stored outdoors, off the ground, with only the top covered. Covering the sides traps moisture and slows seasoning. The EPA says to season wood for at least six months, aiming for a moisture content below 20 percent. Well-seasoned wood is darker, weighs less, and sounds hollow when struck against another piece.

When burning, keep flammable items away from the appliance, and never use gasoline, kerosene, or charcoal starter to ignite a fire. The EPA recommends starting fires with newspaper, dry kindling, or all-natural fire starters. For fire pits, the USFA advises building campfires at least 25 feet away from tents, shrubs, and anything that can burn, while outdoor fireplaces and chimneys should be at least 10 feet from the home. Always put out fires before leaving the backyard. The fire pits page has additional safety reminders.

Putting Away Cords and Equipment

As the growing season winds down, take time to coil extension cords and store them in a dry spot. Moisture can degrade insulation over time. Drain fuel from equipment that will sit unused for months, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and store the equipment in a shed or covered area. The equipment storage page covers long-term care for mowers, trimmers, and other powered tools.

A Seasonal Checklist

Use this summary to track your progress. Every property is different, so adapt the order and timing to your climate and local rules.

  • Clean up vegetable beds and remove spent plants (UMN Extension).
  • Direct seed fall and overwintering cover crops according to your region’s schedule (UMN Extension).
  • Plant spring bulbs before the ground freezes (UMN Extension).
  • Move gasoline and propane containers to a well-ventilated, cool outdoor storage area away from ignition sources (CPSC, NFPA).
  • Clean the grill, remove grease, and place cooled charcoal in a lidded metal can (USFA).
  • Inspect the deck; clean with a deck cleaner or diluted bleach solution, rinse, and let dry for at least two warm, windy days before refinishing (FPL).
  • Apply a penetrating finish if the wood is bare or weathered, allowing proper drying time (FPL).
  • Stack firewood off the ground, cover only the top, and season for at least six months (EPA).
  • Store extension cords and seasonal equipment in a dry, protected location.

For a broader look at year-round yard care, visit the seasonal backyard maintenance guide, which ties together tasks across all four seasons. The backyard maintenance section also offers detailed articles on furniture care, patio cleaning, and more.

Frequently asked questions

When should I stop watering the garden in fall?

The University of Minnesota Extension calendar lists watering from the third week of April through the end of November. In many regions, you can taper off as plants go dormant and rainfall increases, but continue to water evergreens and newly planted trees until the ground freezes if conditions are dry.

Can I leave my propane tank attached to the grill over winter?

Follow the grill and cylinder manufacturer’s instructions on this. The NFPA fact sheet notes that LP-Gas is heavier than air and can collect in low areas, so keep cylinders outdoors in a well-ventilated spot, never in a basement, and ask your fire department about local storage rules.

How do I know if my firewood is dry enough to burn?

The EPA’s Burn Wise program says wood burns best at a moisture content below 20 percent. You can use a wood moisture meter to check. Seasoned wood also looks darker, feels lighter, and makes a hollow sound when two pieces are knocked together.

For more region-specific advice and step-by-step seasonal checklists, browse the seasonal backyard preparation category.

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