The garden is done ... except for cool-weather crops

If you like sugar snap peas but planted your garden too late for them, you can start a fall crop now. Vegetables like snap peas, lettuce and kale like the cool weather of early spring and fall.

Right now, you could still be enjoying fresh peppers in what's left of your garden, but it's time to clean up the rest of it and get ready for winter.

You know the first drill. Pull out the dead plants and stray weeds. Decaying plants attract insects that will still be around in spring.

Wait until the ground freezes before you mulch. There should be at least one hard freeze. If you mulch sooner, you could attract mice and other rodents looking for a winter home.

Because soil left exposed to the elements erodes, compacts and loses moisture, it's wise to cover it. But you don't have to buy new mulch at the garden store.

Clean compost or straw make a good topping. If not, rake up your dead leaves and put a thick layer over the top of the vegetable garden.

The clay or ceramic pots from your container garden should be moved indoors. Or store them empty and upside down to prevent cracking.

When the leaves begin to fall, the time is right to plant young trees and to transplant any shrubs you have earmarked for relocation.

In October, fertilize the lawn, cut it one last time, clean the mower and store it away for winter.