October is the last month to prepare your home for the cold and wet months of winter. A systematic inspection of home systems and the exterior is essential to a safe and secure home. Remember, tradespeople are the busiest during the worst weather: it seems everyone’s furnace will go out on the coldest day of the year.

Chilly autumn air signals the last opportunity to prepare your garden for winter. With some planning and proactive care, your vegetable gardens, grassy areas, and shrubs will be ready for the first warm days of spring.In the garden, harvest all the remaining plants and remnants. Clean the soil of weeds and prune perennials to encourage fullness. Do...