With fall's arrival, it may be time to begin thinking about preparing your garden for cooler temperatures. There are many things you can do to make the most out of the crisp autumn weather as well as prepare some beautiful blooms for next spring. Here are some great fall gardening tips:

Grass: The first six weeks of autumn are the best time to plant and fertilize cool-weather grasses like fescue and rye. This gives the grass seed time to germinate and develop a good root system before colder temperatures arrive.

Vegetable Gardens: To prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in old plant debris, remove old plants and add them to your compost pile. If you're growing cool-season crops, such as broccoli and lettuce, floating row covers can provide protection from light frosts.

Landscaping: If you intend to plant any trees or shrubs, fall is the best season to do so. The soil is still warm enough for roots to develop a healthy root system before the cold months of winter. Once trees or shrubs are planted, be sure to water them regularly since the winds of cooler weather can dry out the plants. If rain is sparse, it is best to water once a week.

Flowers: Tulips, daffodils, crocus, and iris are all great bulbs to plant in the fall for spring blooms. In cooler climates, bulbs can be planted in October. In warmer climates, mid-to-late November is ideal. This is also a wonderful time to divide perennials and plant perennial seeds for spring.

Mulch: As you plant new items this fall, don't forget to surround them with a layer of mulch. You can also use this time to replenish mulch around already existing plants. Mulch keeps the ground moist and also provides a layer of protection to your plants in cooler temperatures.

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