This time of year is when gardening season starts to wind down and we should be getting ready for next year. The following are tasks we should be addressing now.

Pull mulch back from the trunk of your trees and shrubs. This will help prevent damage by mice during snow.

Store and inventory your pesticides in a clean and dry place. Liquids should not be allowed to freeze and the storage area should be locked for safety.

Destroy diseased or insect infected plant material by burying or burning. This will help pest control next year.

Prune shrubs and trees of broken limbs or branches for cosmetic purposes. Leave other pruning for spring to avoid cold injury.

Collect soil samples in problem areas to evaluate nutritional levels. Add organic matter to improve soil conditions before spading or plowing.

Spade garden areas for next year. This allows earlier working conditions next year.

Prepare all engines for winter by adding fuel stabilizer to fuel tanks. Address any maintenance necessary to be ready for spring.

Finally clean tools and equipment to prevent rust and corrosion.

Spending some time now will save you much in the spring. Remember when grandma said, "an ounce of prevention is worth more than the cure"?