It is immensely important that you do not apply fertilizer to your plants in the fall. Plants need to prepare for dormancy to endure the cold winters; applying fertilizer will stimulate new growth that will be susceptible, instead of resilient, to these conditions. It is never an innovative idea to fertilize past the end of August, as this will stimulate new growth at a time when the plants should be doing the opposite. While fertilization is important in the spring and summer, it should stop before the wintry weather sets in.
Just like your plants will vigorously grow during this time, so will the weeds. These annoying creepers will compete with your plants for nutrients, sun, and water. If you want to guarantee that your plants will grow in the fall, evict the intruders.
Clear Space:
You may notice that some of your annual plants or vegetables planted in the spring have succumbed to the summer sun and heat.
To make room for your fall plantings, remove the plants and as much of their roots as possible. These are perfect additions for compost.
Move Plants Indoors
If you do not happen to live in the sunny spots of zones 9 through 11, now is the time to bring in those plants that you normally kept outside, for the winter. They will have their day in the sun when the weather warms, but for now, they are safer in the heat of your home.
Clean Gardening Tools
Since you will not be using your gardening gloves, shears, and trowels any time soon, you should clean them, so they last for years to come and do not depreciate over the winter. If you are lacking in gardening tools, there are online suppliers of all things horticultural and they typically have end of summer sales, so purchasing tools and other essentials currently is a clever idea. Some areas have a harsher climate which means your plants, trees and shrubs are well prepared to deal with the winter and by including all the above as the summer ends, you are helping your garden to prepare for the cold season.