In the Middle Atlantic States, soil temperatures are warmer on November 15th than they are on April 15th. This discusses why trees, bulbs, and some perennials can establish healthy root systems although the ambient air temperature may not feel like "the growing season."

April showers result in muddier soils that stay muddy longer. Late summer season and early fall rains generally do not lead to muddy soil that lasts more that a few days. So, soil is much easier to till in the fall ... and, of course, expert tree pruning your tiller is all heated up if you utilized it for various spring and summer season garden and yard chores.

Spring-flowering bulbs, like Tulips, Daffodils, and Hyacinths must be planted in the fall. While some have had success with daffodils and tulips planted as late as Thanksgiving weekend, in specific areas of the county, it's recommended that you plant them earlier ... a minimum of 6 weeks prior to the ground is likely to start freezing.

You can plant bulbs in broad rows along pathways, in mass plantings around the structure of your house, or in their own garden space in the middle of your lawn. Spring blooming bulbs can offer a stunning screen of color after a gray winter.

Fall is an ideal time to plant fruit, nut, and decorative trees. The warm soil temperature will allow them to develop a good root system prior to winter inactivity. As previously pointed out, the soil is generally much easier to operate in the fall. Planting fruit trees in the fall ... vs. planting the next spring ... will provide you a running start on fruit production. You can acquire a wonderful variety of high quality bare-root fruit trees from the U.S.A.'s leading gardening catalogs. Utilize a tiller to rapidly create the best size planting hole for your brand-new tree. For bare-root fruit trees a hole 2 feet in size and 18 to 24" deep will typically suffice.

Fall is also a perfect time to divide daylilies. Chances are good that you can increase flower production by dividing them and creating extra plantings if you have large daylilies that are several years old. If the center of your daylilies has "thin" foliage and produces couple of flower stalks, it's time to divide them.

The very best time to divide them is late summer season, soon after they have actually stopped flowering. Trim all foliage to 4 to 6" in height. Lift the whole root ball with a planting fork. Divide the root ball into smaller sized clumps with a planting fork or sharp knife. Dig broad, shallow holes for replanting the divided root ball sections. If planting smaller specific clumps, the roots can be carefully spread over shallow mounds. If you have more clumps than you want to plant in your own gardens, share some with friends.