MY GARDEN PATH: Time to 'close up shop?'

Another summer has come to an end. It was a strange one in many ways. Like dry land farmers we can adopt their philosophy, "next year will be better."

Today the smoke has finally cleared up. Hopefully, that will still be the case when this hits print. We probably don't appreciate our gorgeous blue skies enough until we can't see them.

Now for the chores. There are always plenty of those. If you have a raspberry patch, you will need to cut the canes. Remember to do the brown stemmed ones to the ground as they're done for and won't produce berries again. Then for the green stemmed ones, cut each one to about 4 feet tall. These will reward you with berries next summer.

Continue to water those tomato plants. Watch the forecasts so you'll have a chance to cover them if and when a chilly night is due. Be sure to pick things like cucumbers, melons and zucchini. Enjoy the last of the sweet corn.

The days are numbered as far as annual flowers are concerned. If you like to save seeds, be sure to do that before the seeds scatter. A lot of perennials will continue to flower into October as they can take a lot more cold than annuals can. Just keep them watered and deadheaded. My big patch of black-eyed Susans and coreopsis plants are still doing their thing.

Many stores have displays of fall bulbs now. Grab some, either the easy ones like tulips and daffodils or something more exotic. It's not too early to plant them. You'll just need to find a sunny and well-drained spot. Dig a hole two to three times the depth of the bulb and put one in each hole, pointed side up. Cover with soil and you're done. Fall rains should get them going. Water if necessary.

In order to keep the spiders from moving indoors for the winter, you might want to purchase some traps. Place these around the edges of your home, especially in an attached garage. You may need to add a mousetrap or two. I recently trapped a mouse who'd been visiting one of my bird feeders. I knew if I didn't do that, he'd want to move into the house when it gets cold.

Grass seed prefers cooler weather, so now is a good time to reseed any bald lawn patches. Just scratch up the area, spread the seeds, cover with a thin layer of soil and you're all set. Just be sure to keep these areas damp while the seeds are germinating.

Dirty Dozen List

When you are shopping, keep this list in mind. The fruits and vegetables that rank the highest in pesticide contamination are known as the "Dirty Dozen." About half of these can be planted in your vegetable garden. No one wants to eat pesticides.

1. Apples
2. Strawberries
3. Grapes
4. Celery
5. Peaches
6. Spinach
7. Sweet bell peppers
8. Nectarines
9. Cucumbers
10. Potatoes
11. Cherry tomatoes
12. Hot peppers

I recently saw a huckleberry pie in the grocer's freezer section. The price was $49.99! I like huckleberries, but not that much.

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Elaine Cerny has gardened most of her life, starting in 4-H. She has belonged to garden clubs in three states and is currently an active member of the River City Gardeners Club in Post Falls. Her column has appeared in The Press every other Sunday from early March until late October for the past 12 years.