If you haven't had time to do some fall gardening, it may not be too late. Here are a few tips for that fall lawn care.

Keep to your normal watering schedule through September. As we approach the first frost date, slow your water use.

Fall is the time of year to fertilize. This is best done in two applications—the first in middle to late September with a balanced all-purpose lawn food. After the first frost, provide a higher nitrogen-based formula application. The first application helps to recharge your lawn and thicken the stand of grass after the hot summer months. The second application is a “midnight snack” for your lawn as it prepares to go dormant for the winter.

Check for thatch buildup. A little thatch is good, but if your layer is thicker than ½” it is time to get the power rake out. This needs to be done at least thirty days before the first frost. Aerate your lawn. Again try to get this done at least thirty days before the first frost. Aerating will help to decrease your thatch layer and improve the water uptake of your grasses roots.

Tune up your mower at the end of season and store for winter. This involves more than changing the oil. Lubricating all the moving parts and sharpening the blade is just as important. New spark plugs and air filters are also a must. Clean the mower’s deck and add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank.