As fall becomes more apparent with each day you may be thinking that your gardening season is over. Time to turn the soil, add mulch and covering until next year. There are still plants that thrive in the cooler weather like broccoli, kale, cauliflower, lettuce and mustard greens just to name a few.

Even if you don't plan to plant for fall, there are still tasks to be done to keep your garden in top shape. Here is a list of gardening tasks that will close out your garden and get things ready for next spring.

1. Plant spring bulbs (except tulips). These need the winter to sleep and once awakened by the warm earth will begin to sprout.

2. Cover the tender perennials with thick mulch of leaves, straw or bark.

3. Be kind to wildlife and make a woodpile to shelter them during the cold months. You'll be rewarded by the antics of your guests over winter (squirrels, rabbits)

4. Prune hedges for the season. If you lost tree limbs during the excessive heat take the time to remove them now.

5. Take the time to divide the daylilies, peonies, phlox and iris. Transplant to other areas of the yard for more blooms next spring.

6. Remember your lawn! It's probably had a rough year too. Apply fertilizer and this time of year is great for laying chamomile lawns.

7. With the cooler nights, it's time to bring houseplants back inside. Be sure to check for pests before bringing inside!

8. Remove all the annuals that have stopped blooming. Add them to the compost pile for rich soil in the spring.

9. If it's been really dry for your area, water plants deeply, especially the evergreens, before the ground has a chance to totally freeze.

10. Once your garden touch ups are complete, remember to drain and store your garden hose!

10.1 The birds are migrating this time of year. To enjoy the birds as they pass through restock your bird feeders and put out fresh water in the bird baths to help them along the way.

Taking time to get these things done in the fall, when it’s cooler, should help jump start your gardening in the spring. You’ll have more time to enjoy its beauty and get started on your spring to do list.