How to Save During the In-Between Season

Summer's officially over. The kids are back in school, and chances are you've got a few good weeks left until stores start busting out holiday decorations. Soon enough, radio stations will begin playing carols, and your loved ones will drop not-so-subtle hints about what they might like to find in their stockings.

This precious time of stillness -- let's call it the " fabulous fall lull" -- is best enjoyed by sipping apple cider, snuggling into your woolly sweaters and nabbing a few of those blissfully quieter deals, otherwise known as the ones that don't come with all the fanfare. I'm talking the ones you've got to know about to get. Here are some of my favorites:

Plants: Even if you live in a colder-climate zone (and especially if you live in one of the warmer ones), know that the ground is fertile for at least a couple more months, which means planting season is still very much in bloom. Now is the time to plant those cheerful spring bulbs, such as daffodils, tulips, irises and hyacinths; hearty vegetables, such as kale and cabbages; and even pansies, many of which can weather the cold, despite their reputation for being delicate.

To lure green thumbs, and those of us who wish to be, garden centers offer good deals during this time of the year. Brecks.com, which specializes in bulbs, is currently offering $25 off purchases of $50, $50 off $100 and $100 off $200 when you sign up for the Breaks email list. Vermont Wildflower Farm has amaryllises and paper-white bulbs for up to 60 percent off, and Eden Brothers has plants for up to 77 percent off.

For in-person deals (plus, great expert advice and major inspiration), check your local botanical garden for annual fall sales. Many, including ones in Chicago (October 2 and 3), Forth Worth (October 9 and 10), Arizona Desert in Phoenix (October 10), San Diego (October 17 and 18) and California U.C. Riverside (October 24 and 25), are holding huge sales this month.

Jeans: Women and men alike know the perfect pair of jeans is virtually priceless. A good-fitting pair makes you feel good, lasts forever and can be worn anywhere, from a college football game (with a sweatshirt) to a business lunch (with a blazer). Luckily, you don't have to overpay to buy one, especially not right now.

Many retailers are trying to move their surplus from the back-to-school rush and are cutting denim prices by insane amounts this month. Lucky Brand jeans has pairs for up to 86 percent off. (The Lucky Classic Rider, for instance, is now on sale for $9.98, down from $99!) Seven for All Mankind, a trendy brand favored by celebrities, has 115 styles on sale, many for half off. Eddie Bauer has a couple dozen pairs marked down by as much as 40 percent off. Larger department stores, including Macy's and Nordstrom (both of which offer helpful, free personal-shopper services, by the way), are moving their designer denim at deep discounts, too.

A lawn mower: Okay, so currently, your grass may be covered in piles of leaves. (And it will surely be covered in heaps of snow soon enough). Even so, it's a good time to invest in a new mower, so you'll be ready come spring. After all, retailers need to clear them out to make room for snowblowers, so they're cutting the prices fast. Sears is currently offering some Craftsmen models for over 25 percent off. Target has many models (including push mowers and ride-ons) and brands, including Black & Decker and Remington, for up to 30 percent off. Through October 30, John Deere is offering $500 off its EZtrak Z600 Series Zero Turn Mowers. Shipping is free on those, too.

A getaway: Fall is known as goldilocks season in many parts of the world; it's not too hot and not (yet) too cold; it's just right. So this month, look for last-minute deals to traditionally summery destinations, and you'll enjoy good weather with no crowds for a deeply discounted price. For instance, if you book a room at any Marriott by October 16 and use the coupon code FALL50, you'll instantly get $50 off. In a special seasonal promotion, Hyatt is offering 20 percent off two nights or more at many properties all over the world, from West Hollywood and New York City to Buenos Aires, Argentina and San José, Costa Rica.

Meanwhile, Enterprise car rental is offering 10 percent off in many European locations, from Sweden to Italy. October is also National Plan a Cruise Month, during which you can find industry-wide bargains. The best cruise is, of course, a free one, and the Cruise Lines International Association is giving away one a day every day of October. To enter, upload a picture of your best smile on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #CruiseSmile. There's only one catch: If you win, you must send me a postcard.

Noelle Buhidar is a shopping expert at RetailMeNot, a leading digital offers destination that helps consumers save money when they shop.