1. Bring in houseplants that have summered outdoors.
Try to avoid abrupt changes in light and temperature.
Check for insects prior to bringing them inside; washing the plant with plain water will remove many pests.
Some plants that have grown vigorously outside may need some pruning.
2. Clean up vegetable gardens and annual flowerbeds.
Harvest all usable vegetables and annual flowers before frost.
Leftover debris can be tilled into soil or placed into compost pile.
Clean up weeds as they can harbor diseases and insects.
3. Clean up perennial flowerbeds.
Tops of plants can be cut back now or in early spring.
New perennials can be planted in fall; established perennials can be divided; these activities should be done in early fall (mid-September to mid-October) to allow time for plants to root before the soil cools.
DO NOT prune evergreens or spring-flowering shrubs in fall.
Trees and shrubs can be fertilized after they go dormant or in spring.