Midautumn

Lower the height on your mower. Grass grows more slowly in fall, but it still needs to be cut to prepare for winter. A lower cutting height helps the soil dry out more quickly in spring.

Learn more about lawn mowers.

Get more fall lawn-care secrets.

Feed the birds. Don't forget your feathered friends; their food supply grows scarce in fall.

Learn more about bird feeding.

 

Divide and cut back perennials. While you're digging them up to divide them, try rearranging plants if they haven't been working in their current location.

Test Garden Tip: Hold off dividing asters, chrysanthemums, and other fall-blooming perennials. It's best to split them in spring.

Get step-by-step tips for dividing your perennials.

Rake and mulch. Left unattended, fallen tree leaves may suffocate your lawn. Shred them and they make great mulch.

Find the best kind of mulch for your garden.

 

Dig up summer bulbs. Store dahlias, cannas, caladiums, callas, and other tender bulbs in peat moss in a cool, frost-free spot for the winter.

Get more tips on storing tender bulbs.