In November we begin to think about the holidays and doing the necessary chores to prepare for winter.

This past winter and summer were very confusing for plants and people. My redbud trees are full of blooms, but it should bloom again this spring.

It is time to harvest new potatoes. If our weather stays dry, potatoes may be left in the ground after the first killing frost, for a time.

Complete moving the house plants inside. Repot, check for insects, disease, and treat if necessary.

Drain the gasoline from all power equipment before putting away for the season.

Apply fruit tree spray to the peach trees at leaf drop to prevent infection next year.

Gather pecans and store them in the refrigerator or freezer; keep away from oranges and onions.

Plant cool season annuals, such as pansy, snapdragon, dianthus, calendula, and candytuft. Keep feeding flowers and deadheading old blooms to keep the flowers blooming.

Plant container-grown trees, shrubs, and vines. Choose the area for the plant that will help to shade your house from the summer sun.

Water container-grown plants and all pots if you know there will be a freeze. Mulch all plants 2-3 inches deep for protection.

Before a hard freeze, harvest green tomatoes, broccoli and cauliflower if the heads are showing. This will be the perfect time to cook fried green tomatoes and not feel guilty for picking the tomatoes before they are ripe.

Continue to harvest asparagus early each day. This vegetable is perfect to eat raw. Asparagus is like strawberries; you never plant enough.