Before the first frost, it's important to tidy up your garden. Remove any spent annuals, weeds, and diseased plants to prevent them from overwintering and spreading diseases in the spring.

Cutting back perennials is also essential, though some, like coneflowers, can be left standing to provide food for wildlife. Cleaning up the garden now will reduce pest and disease problems next year.

Autumn is the perfect time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. These bulbs require the cold winter months to establish roots and will reward your efforts with beautiful blooms in the spring.

Plant them in well-drained soil and consider adding a little bulb fertilizer to give them a head start. Remember to plant the bulbs at a depth of about three times their height, with the pointed end facing up.

Autumn is an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs. The soil is still warm enough to encourage root growth, and cooler temperatures reduce stress on the plants.

When planting, make sure the hole is twice as wide as the root ball but not deeper. Water the plants well and add a layer of mulch to protect the roots during the winter months.

If you have tender plants that won’t survive the winter, now is the time to bring them indoors or provide them with protection.

You can dig up and pot smaller plants, moving them to a sunny indoor spot. For larger plants, use burlap, mulch, or frost covers to insulate them from the cold.

Even though the temperatures are dropping, your plants still need water. Make sure to give them a good water, especially if it’s been a dry autumn.

However, be cautious not to overwater, as excess moisture can lead to root rot. Focus on watering in the morning to give the plants time to absorb moisture before the cooler nighttime temperatures.