Michael Pulman discovers the joy of container gardening.

BEST PLANTS FOR CONTAINERS - Michael's List

Sam McCarthy says, "Let the redworms do it."
Fabulous compost can be yours - with a little wormy help.

Plant Bulbs in Groups - Tulips, daffodils and narcissus in clumps of twelve or more for best effect. Water new bulb plantings and cover with an organic mulch. When fall and winter conditions are dry water every 4 to 5 weeks (when soil is not frozen solid).

Clean Up Flower Beds - Remove dead annuals to prevent overwintering of disease organisms and insect pests.

Add Organic Matter to Soil - Prepare planting beds now for earlier planting next spring. Hand-dig new beds in autumn, working in a generous supply of compost. Leave the soil rough to collect winter moisture; plus, the freezing-thawing action will break apart clods.

Resist the Urge to Prune Trees - Pruning wounds take time to "heal" or close and tend to dry out more in fall and winter.