When leaves and flowers begin to die back in the fall, it will look like all plant activity has finished for the season. However, cooler temperatures and shorter days send signals to plants to slow down on the above ground growth and concentrate on what's underground.

With an inordinate amount of activity taking place in the roots, fall is the opportune time to fertilize. It may sound odd to feed plants now, but an ample supply of fertilizer in the fall will give plants a head start when it's time to grow in the spring.