First and foremost, if you haven't created a compost, now is a great time. As you pull up the tomato plants and cucumber vines, don't just throw them away. They have all winter to break down and create some really great, nutrient-rich soil for you to cover your garden with in the spring. Just be careful not to toss in any weeds or plants that have shown signs of disease, as this may result in headaches next summer. A Tumbleweed composter is a great choice for a small urban space.
Now is also the time to expend a little elbow grease. Tilling and turning over your soil in the fall is a great choice, as the dirt is often muddy after the spring thaw. There are many varieties of weeds that germinate at this time of year, so consider using a light cover of mulch or cover crop like annual ryegrass to protect your dirt as well. The rye will germinate in just over a week, and will create an extensive root system that will keep the soil loose and attract friendly visitors like earthworms and yeasts. If your soil has become too acidic over the course of the growing season, late autumn is the best time to add some lime to the soil (it'll help the ryegrass thrive as well!).
Root vegetables like onions and carrots often grow well in cold temperatures. Cut off any green growth as we approach Thanksgiving and make sure you mulch to protect the stem. Just remember that mulch, as important as it is, can also be a detriment. If it's applied too thick before the ground freezes, it can become a haven for rodents.
If you use your garden for food and beauty, it is also the right time to plant spring bulbs. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus will all develop their root systems over the winter. Remember to take a long view of your garden. Assess what worked and what didn't, and make the changes to your landscape now that will make the difference in your garden next summer.
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