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Fall is the ideal time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Getting them in the ground before the frost ensures they'll develop strong root systems over the winter, ready to burst into bloom when temperatures rise.

Garlic is another great crop to plant in the fall. It benefits from a long growing season, and planting it now gives the bulbs a chance to settle in and develop before winter sets in.

Cooler temperatures and increased rainfall in autumn make it the perfect time for planting deciduous trees and shrubs, such as maples, dogwoods, and viburnums. These conditions reduce transplant shock and allow roots to establish before the ground freezes.

Fall is also the best time to divide and transplant spring- and summer-blooming perennials. Doing this in early fall gives the plants time to settle and establish themselves before winter arrives. Just be sure to complete any planting at least six weeks before the first hard frost.

After leaves have fallen and deciduous trees have gone dormant, it's safe to begin your pruning. This timing helps avoid encouraging new growth that wouldn’t survive winter’s chill. However, it’s important to hold off on pruning spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs and forsythia. These plants set their buds in the fall, and pruning now will remove the very flowers you’re looking forward to next season.

Preparing your garden in the fall isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a strategic move that can make a big difference come spring. From planting bulbs and garlic to transplanting shrubs and trimming trees, your efforts now will pay off in lush growth and vibrant blooms next year.