As we transition from summer to fall, your gardening transitions too. Garden chores include raking and clean up, pruning, thorough watering and for many plants, a final application of fertilizer. Here are some tips for keeping your garden healthy in the coming seasons.

WATER. Continue to water plants deeply to encourage deep, healthy root systems, and keep plants robust and strong to withstand stressful winter conditions. Consider adding one of these convenient Irrigation Systems

CLEAN UP. Keep deadheading, to keep flowering plants blooming into the fall. Prune away diseased or dead plant tissue on trees, shrubs and perennials, and throw it away. Never compost any material that may carry diseases into next season. Rake away debris on the ground, and again, only compost healthy yard waste.

FERTILIZING. Trees, shrubs, lawns and perennials should have one last shot of fertilizer at the end of the growing season.

PEST CONTROL. Inspect plants for any infestations or damage and treat with an insecticide or fungicide immediately.