Lawn
Late summer to early fall is the best time to plant a new lawn, patch bare areas or overseed your current lawn, because grass seed needs regular irrigation, especially until it begins to germinate. Fall is actually a better time of year for this growth cycle because in the spring and summer your new seed must contend with warm to hot days.
Plants, trees, shrubs
First, remove all overgrown or dead plants, trees and shrubs. Many plants lose their leaves during the fall, so be extra careful not to get rid of something that will come back again in the spring. Keeping your landscape borders crisp and clean will add a sense of order to your landscape design, and makes the entire landscape look well maintained and appear inviting.
When planting new items, be sure to plant early enough in the fall for the plant’s root system to become established (at least six weeks before the first frost). Before winter sets in, check your newly planted items weekly and water them if dry. A thick layer of mulch helps to protect these newbies during periods of freezing and thawing.
Cover crops
You don’t have to be a farmer to grow a cover crop. For instance, if you grow warm-season vegetables and/or annuals that traditionally die in the winter, you can improve the soil by planting a grain or legume. Doing so retains the nutrients in the soil and helps keep it from eroding, as well as alleviating soil compaction.
Plant your cover crop right after the last of your vegetables or annuals stop producing to give them a head start before the cooler weather. Try planting alfalfa, Austrian winter peas, crimson clover, barley, oats or winter wheat/rye.
Bulbs, perennials
Bulbs such as daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses, irises and tulips are programmed to grow foliage and bloom after an extended cold period. They should be planted when the weather is cool in the fall and before the first hard frost. Fall planting is only for a patient gardener, but the reward in the spring will be well worth the wait.
When looking for something new to plant, perennials are your best choice, because you can plant them once and they’ll return year after year. Some perennials even keep their leaves during the winter, which adds extra color to a winter garden.
Hardscape and lighting
Adding a new visual element to your garden, like creating wide, geometric paths with decorative pavers in warm colors, will draw the eye to the front of your house. Firepits, patios, decks, rocks/boulders, retaining walls and paths are also great to add visual interest to your landscape. Lighting can add elegance, beauty and interest, as well as safety to your garden.
