Here is a list of 5 things that you can do after harvesting your garden to make for an easier and more prosperous planting season in the spring;
1. Clean out old vegetation - Cut plants out at the soil level. Leave the roots to decompose into usable nutrients as well as assist in building a healthy and natural soil ecosystem.
2. Remove remaining debris - Clean out tags, twigs, rocks etc.
3. Tidy up your rows and beds - Get them ready to have compost/fertilizers lay on top by straightening and evening.
4. Add compost/fertilizers to beds and rows - Within the first year or two of your garden, add as much compost/fertilizer as possible. After your 3rd or 4th year of gardening, and your garden has become more active, depending on the quality of your soil, you can add a bit less (about 1/2 inch or so). A good standard to go by would be 1-2" of compost or fertilizer. - If you are going to mulch, now would also be a good time to do that.
5. Contribute to next year's compost - Mix your garden waste into your existing compost pile, or start a new one.
Your rows and beds are now ready to sit for the winter and will be nearly ready for planting in the spring with minimal effort on your part.