Do it now Our weirdly warm fall has encouraged many of us to put off putting our gardens to bed, but it's do-or-die time now.
Rake your lawn if you haven't already. If you have a thin layer of leaves on your lawn, you can simply chop them up with your lawn mower. But if you have lots of leaves, rake, bag and save the leaves to use as mulch once the soil freezes. (If left on the grass, a thick layer of leaves can cause snow mold, which can damage grass.)
Some tomato lovers have left their plants in the ground in hopes that their green tomatoes would ripen. It's time to give it up. Pull spent vegetables and annuals and put them in the composter.
You can leave healthy perennials standing. That will help trap insulating snow and provide a bit of winter interest. If plants show signs of disease pull them now.
Water. Trees, shrubs, even grass and perennials could use a good soak. Most plants survive winter better if they go into the season with well-watered roots.
Empty your containers. Ceramic, terra cotta, concrete and clay containers can shatter if left outside during the winter. Empty them, clean them and stack them in the garage. For fall and winter arrangements, use wood, metal or stone containers.
CONNIE NELSON
Dog day at the arb Most days, Fido isn't welcome at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. But this Saturday, the arb is going to the dogs with a canine celebration.
