Garden Talk - Busy days ahead for gardeners

Sometimes it feels as though the shorter days of late fall do not allow enough light and time for all the garden tasks that must be completed. Fortunately, nature occasionally offers help, such as much-needed rain for plants heading into winter.

Still, the gardener is in charge of most tasks, and they are many and varied. Here is a list, roughly ordered from ?definitely get this done? to ?put this one off if you don?t have time?, and concluding with something not to do.

? Finish any harvesting.

? Closely check any crops that are now in storage so that you catch any signs of spoilage early.

? Keep up with the ever-falling leaves. They need to be removed from hard surfaces for safety reasons and from lawns to protect the grass.

? Take advantage of compost piles and mulching mowers to re-use leaves, which definitely have more to offer as long as they are in their proper places.

? And speaking of that compost pile...as long as the weather permits, keep turning it if you are eager to have lots of compost available next spring.

? As plants in pots die, empty the pots, clean them and store them.

? Mulch strawberries before the temperature drops to 20 degrees.

? Start to plant bulbs for spring bloom. Remember that masses and drifts will be more appealing than single blooms or very small clumps. Also remember that planting depth correlates with bulb size, so the large tulip and daffodil bulbs need six to eight-inch holes.

? As you prepare to clear beds and borders, note some options and exceptions.

If you would like to continue harvesting root vegetables, cover with eight to 10 inches of straw; then you will be able to dig them up as needed. Do not cut back the foliage of asparagus plants.

Try to avoid pruning roses at this time; wait until new growth appears in the spring. If you can stand looking at them, the withered tops of chrysanthemums can also be left in place over the winter to heighten the plants? chances for persistence.

Also, leave uncut tall ornamental grasses so that you can enjoy their winter interest. Finally, don?t cut back rhubarb until after a hard freeze.