By now the weather is starting to settle, but don’t be too quick to get tender plants outdoors. Parts of our region can still see frosts or even light freezes until at least the end of the month.

Prepare new planting areas, and get newly purchased or home-propagated perennials, vines, shrubs, and trees in the ground.

Divide perennials that bloom in late summer and fall, such as asters (Symphyotrichum spp., Zones 4-8), perennial sunflowers (Helianthus spp. and cvs., Zones 4-9), and warm-season ornamental grasses.

Indoors, start seeds of summer annuals such as celosias (Celosia spp. and cvs.), morning glories (Ipomoea purpurea), and zinnias (Zinnia spp. and cvs.), as well as squash-family vegetable crops, such as cucumbers, melons, and zucchini.

Prepare vegetable-garden beds for planting, and set out transplants of kale, cabbage, lettuce, and other cool-season crops.

Nancy J. Ondra is the author of over fifteen books, including Grasses, The Perennial Care Manual, and The Perennial Matchmaker.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Harper Super Steel 700-lb. Platform Hand Truck

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Manufactured in USA; Two position telescoping handle adjusts up to 62" in height for tall loads. 700 lb horizontal capacity, 600 lb vertical capacity. Converts in seconds from 2 wheel dolly into 4 wheel cart. Heavy-duty pneumatic all-terrain 10" wheels and 5" durable swivel casters for easy maneuverability of bulky loads. 14" x 7" Heavy gauge base plate and wheel fenders to protect the load from the wheels.

Buy at Amazon

Fiskars Garden Tool Caddy with Removable Small Tool Storage for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening Use, Made with Recycled Plastic

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Fiskars Gardening Tool Caddy stores tools and supplies for easy access and transportation from indoors to out. Body is made of durable, lightweight, resin with 20% post-consumer recycled plastic. Spacious toolbox includes a removable bin with holes for wall mounting and is the perfect organizer for snips, pruners, and more. Handle locks in place for one-handed carrying, or use side handles for two-handed carrying. Lifetime Warranty.

Buy at Amazon

Greenworks 40V 14" Chainsaw, 2.5Ah USB Battery and Charger Included

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

14'' CHAIN AND BAR : great performance for tree cutting and get up to 75 cuts on 4x4 lumber on a single charge. TRUBRUSHLESS MOTOR TECHNOLOGY: 2 x more torque. Provides more power, longer runtimes, quiet operation, and extended motor life. AUTOMATIC OILER: delivers proper chain lubrication and increased productivity. EASY ADJUST TENSIONING: for easy bar and chain maintenance. EASY TO USE : push button start, no gas or fumes, no carburetor, no spark plug, and no starter rope WHAT IS INCLUDED: 40V 14-Inch chainsaw, scabbard, 2.5 Ah batteries, fast charger, operator's manual.

Buy at Amazon