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"The grandeur of the trees is lost when raking leaves."—Marcelene Cox, American author

Fall Festivities. Take some time to enjoy the fall color. Take your kids or grandkids to a cider mill for apple cider and hot donuts. Pick up a pumpkin or two to turn into a Jack O Lantern.

Fix Up Foliage. Remove spent foliage from plants such as peonies, and other perennials. Leave seed heads on some flowers such as coneflowers and sedum for the birds.

Bye Bye Bird Feeders. Take down and clean your humming bird feeders. Purchase a birdbath deicer for your birdbath in order to provide fresh water for the birds through the winter.

Clean Up. Keep garden areas clean to reduce insects and diseases as plants fade and are cut back for winter. Clean under fruit trees. Remove fallen fruit and debris to reduce chances of diseases. Empty flower pot containers, clean thoroughly and place in the house or garage to prevent breakage. Inspect bird feeders to ensure they are ready for winter.

Harvest Time. Harvest pumpkins and winter squash before frost, when the rind is hard and fully colored. Store in a cool location.

Soil Test. Take some soil samples for a soil test. Contact your local extension office for instructions. Soil tests should be taken every 3-5 years.

Bulb Storage. After a frost kills the foliage, dig cannas, gladiolas, and dahlias. Rinse the bulbs thoroughly to prepare them for winter storage. Store them in sand, sawdust, or peat moss in a cool dark location. Check them every couple of weeks. Discard any soft or rotting bulbs.

Store Unused Seeds. Place them in an airtight jar; place a tablespoon of nonfat dry milk into a tissue. Tie the tissue and place into the jar. This absorbs any moisture that might be present.

Last Mow. Give the lawn one last mowing. Drain the gas from and clean your lawnmowers and other power equipment. Check your snow blower and make sure it runs properly.

Beautiful Bulbs. Plant spring blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils. If squirrels are a problem in your area cover newly planted bulbs with chicken wire until the ground freezes.

Enjoy the Season! Take a day and visit a local cider mill and enjoy the fall colors.

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