Autumn is on its way in, and the transition from warmer to cooler weather is almost here. What type of activities is important to the gardener at this time of year?

Bulbs, bulbs and more bulbs! I am a bulb fanatic because I love to see them emerge in the early springtime landscape. Now is the season for selecting flower bulbs which when planted in the fall will guarantee a colorful bloom in late winter and spring.

Many types of bulbs can be planted in the fall. You can buy them now, but the best time for planting is when the soil temperatures are in the 60s. The best time for planting is October and November.

Yellow daffodils are always a favorite. There are many types to choose from and some bloom early and others later in the season, so make sure you have a variety to plant where you will have blooms over a longer period of time.

Crocus, hyacinths and tulips are a favorite too. Crocus bulbs will bloom the earliest, usually in March. Hyacinths in April and finally the tulips will emerge in May. Planting all of these bulbs later in the fall will insure a beautiful palette of color next year.

After harvesting off all of the leftover tomatoes and peppers, choose the mild weather period to plant or transplant cool season vegetables. Now is the time to select and plant collards, turnips, cabbage, mustard, spinach and kale. Now is also a good time to plant the many varieties of lettuce like bibb, arugula and romaine. Carrots, beets and onion are also planted now.

Water deeply after planting to prevent drought stress. Refurbish mulch to control weeds around your new plants as well.

Start a compost pile with leaves and other natural materials such as twigs and bark. You will be surprised at the difference this organic matter will make in the fertility, physical structure and water-holding capacity of the soil around plants.

Lawns need a little TLC around this time of year. Turf grasses such as bermuda, zoysia and fescue need fertilization and the application of a winter pre-emergent for weed control. Now is also the time for aeration and reseeding for bermuda and fescue if these projects are in your plans.

Continue to water grasses as needed, particularly newly established fescue lawns. Turf grasses need a regular maintenance schedule to keep them in tip top shape.

Divide your daylilies, hostas and irises now. Transplanting them to new locations or sharing with your neighbors is a wonderful way to spread the beauty.

Remember fall is a great time to plant perennials, shrubs and trees. The weather is cooler for the outdoor gardener and also the plants are less stressed from heat and drought problems. Roots have a better chance of deep growth during the cooler months.

Take a few trips to some local nurseries and select a nice variety of plants that will work with your landscape in terms of soil, sun, moisture and temperature conditions. Consider personal preferences regarding color, size and leaf shape. This is where the creative part comes in, so design your gardening areas to a particular liking. Just make sure you pick the right plant for the right place in terms of all of the above requirements.

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Come out to the Master Gardener Fall Plant Expo on Sept 28-29 at the Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center to choose a wide array of perennials, shrubs and trees. Call the UGA/Hall County Extension office for more details at 770-535-8293.

Wanda Cannon serves as Master Gardener coordinator and horticulture assistant for the Hall County Extension office. Phone: 770-535-8293. Her column appears biweekly and on gainesvilletimes.com/life.