Western Mountains and High Plains
Cut Back Geraniums
If you brought geraniums indoors, prune them back to half their original size. If needed, repot them into fresh potting soil. Keep in a cool room with plenty of sunlight, if possible. They will start to regenerate new growth and bloom in mid-winter. Fertilize with a blooming houseplant food every two to three weeks.
Avoid Pruning Rose Bushes
Don't be tempted to prune rose bushes to severely in the late fall. After the leaves have dropped and the soil is near freezing, place a layer of loose soil or compost around the base of the rose bush for winter protection and to prevent frost heaving. Water periodically during open, windy dry spells of winter when temperatures are above freezing.
Make Homemade Cider
If you harvested a bountiful crop of apples this autumn, consider making cider or apple juice from the excess apples or windfalls. To kill bacteria on the apples, heat the juice to 160 degrees F. The juice can be refrigerated, canned, or frozen. Follow high altitude directions for canning from your local Cooperative Extension office.
Plant Fragrant Tulips
Many tulip varieties are not only beautiful, but fragrant as well. Look for varieties such as Angelique, Apricot Parrot, Daydream, Ballerina and Monte Carlo. You still have time to plant as long as the ground remains unfrozen.
Shred Fallen Leaves
As you mow your lawn this fall, use the grass catcher attachment. The fallen leaves will be shredded into a finer material that can be added to the compost pile or placed directly into the garden. This will add needed organic matter to the soil this fall.