Getting Ready for Winter

As soon as summer borders begin to fade, prepare the soil for winter plantings. Spread steer manure, compost, peat moss or planting mix over the ground (one sack per 250 square feet) before turning it.

For roses in October, cut back any spindly growth and crisscrossed branches and remove all old blossoms and seed pods. Apply rose fertilizer, and keep plants thoroughly watered.

Plant Chinese cabbage now. Grow from seeds planted directly in the garden or in pots for later transplanting. ‘Two Seasons,’ ‘Dynasty’ and ‘Michili’ are superior varieties. Chinese cabbage is well-suited to container gardening.

Perpetuate heirloom and other special vegetables by collecting seeds from your garden (forget about saving seeds from hybrid vegetables; they won’t run true to form). Allow seeds to mature in overripe fruit such as tomatoes, squash and melons. Dry the seeds for a week in a sunny window; then package and store in a cool, dry place.