As fall is coming to the garden, it is time to prep it for winter. Start by clearing off all of the debris and remove it by bagging, composting, or burning. This reduces the number of disease spores and insect eggs for next year. Now is a good time to till because spring seems to be more hectic for time.
In the annual bed, dig the non-hardy bulbs like glads and cannas after the foliage turns yellow. Store them in paper sacks in a dark, cool area after they dry for a week. Do not scrape off the excess dirt, leave it attached to the bulbs.
In the perennial bed, leave the foliage on it catch the snow and help insulate the crowns of the plants.
Same way with roses, I never cut them back until spring. The tender hybrid tea roses can be mulched with 12 inches of straw or hay.
Store your garden seeds in a cool, dark area that is not humid. Mason jars work well for this purpose.
Bring in all your houseplants and herbs before a freeze. For the lawn, you can be a winterized fertilizer anytime after October 1. Be sure to winterize your underground sprinklers and lines if you have them.