Columnist Anne Lenox Barlow is going to try indoor bokashi composting this winter since her red wrigglers aren't consuming all her kitchen scraps.

Among other tips, says columnist Amy Ivy, save energy and keep warmer this winter by adding a length of thin foam weather-stripping to the tops and bottoms of your double-hung window sashes before locking them shut.

New York state is the second-largest apple-producing state, says columnist Anne Lenox Barlow, with an average production of 29.5 million bushels annually.

Columnist Amy Ivy uses a garden hose to help plan new contours of a flower bed.

Collecting seeds from year to year offers gardeners the opportunity to save some money, learn more about plant propagation, grow rare plants or save a fond memory of a friend or loved one, says columnist Anne Lenox Barlow.

In general, says columnist Amy Ivy, a light frost is one that hits only the most tender plants such as squash, beans, marigolds and impatiens, while a hard or killing frost is one that covers every surface with a white, icy layer.

Have you ever wondered about those trees that start turn color in August and early September? asks columnist Anne Lenox Barlow. Those early show-offs have suffered in some way, she says.

Traditionally, cover crops are planted in vegetable gardens after the fall harvest, columnist Amy Ivy says. That way, they cover the soil over the winter, reducing erosion by wind and rain and discouraging weeds.

The best rule of thumb for pruning any summer flowering trees or shrubs that bloom after June 1 is to do so in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts, says Anne Lenox Barlow. Plants that bloom before June 1 should be pruned after they finish flowering in late spring or early summer.

Helenium, says columnist Amy Ivy, is quite tall, needs full sun and produces lots of 1-to-2 inch flowers in bright shades of yellow, orange and orange-red, just perfect for autumn.

Earthworms process waste materials at a much faster rate than even the most well maintained compost pile, says columnist Anne Lenox Barlow. One pound of composting worms can process a half pound of food scraps every day!

Since trees are such a long-term investment, think carefully before deciding which tree to plant and where to locate it in your yard, says columnist Amy Ivy.

There are more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes in the world; 62 of these live in New York state, says columnist Anne Lenox. And certainly all the rain this summer has boosted the population.

If your shady garden is looking a little dull right now, too, here are some plants that columnist Amy Ivy thinks you might want to consider.

Many local gardens have fallen victim of late blight, says columnist Anne Lenox Barlow. If your potatoes are infected, dig them up as soon as possible.

Cool season crops should be thriving, though, says columnist Amy Ivy, as long as their soil is well drained.

Columnist Anne Lenox Barlow writes about carrots at the suggestion of her young son Henry, who loves to eat them.

The disease that ravages tomatoes and potatoes is continuing to spread, says columnist Amy Ivy. So if you suspect you might have late blight in your garden, bring in a sample or e-mail a photo for identification.

Plant diseases are a constant threat to our food supply, forests, fiber and our landscape plants that help conserve heat in winter, cool our houses in summer and provide us with beauty, says columnist Anne Lenox Barlow.

The sporadic rain has meant gardens don't need too much watering, but those overcast, muggy days create prime conditions for various disease problems, says columnist Amy Ivy.

Columnist Anne Lenox Barlow notes an increase in trees infected with anthracnose.

Many fresh herbs are easily grown in North Country gardens, says columnist Amy Ivy.

Why? Garden seeds will only germinate if the soil temperature is within a certain range, says columnist Anne Lenox Barlow.

Spending some money on your yard and landscape is a wise move that will provide you with enjoyment and beauty for years, says columnist Amy Ivy.