If you didn't get all of your gardening chores done last spring, maybe you were wise to wait. Autumn is a better time for many garden tasks:
Preparing new beds
Why try to dig beds in the wet springtime? Dig new beds now, and they'll be ready for early planting next year.
Fighting broadleaf weeds
In the autumn, dandelions and other perennial weeds are storing up nutrients for next year's growth. They also absorb herbicides more readily, so now is a good time to eliminate them.
Improving the lawn
Aerating, fertilizing, and overseeding cool-season lawns are timely tactics, especially in areas with early winters.
Planting for next spring
It's time to plant spring-flowering bulbs of crocus, daffodil, tulip, hyacinth, allium, muscari, leucojum, and others, for colorful rewards early next year.
Planting edibles
Autumn is the best time to plant garlic for harvest next year. In most areas, you can also squeeze in a quick-growing fall crop of radishes, lettuce, or peas.
Planting cover crops
To improve a garden plot, plant cover crops, such as clover, alfalfa, rye, or buckwheat to till into the soil next spring.
bWhy wait till spring? Let the county extension service analyze your soil now so you can amend it right away-and have healthier soil for next season.