Prepare Beds for Cool-Season Color Plants Prepare garden beds
for winter color annuals before planting. Mix in a couple of
inches of compost. The results will be worth the extra time and
effort. Mulch new transplants after planting to deter winter
weeds and moderate root-zone temperatures. Collect Leaves for
Composting Leaves are valuable assets in the garden, either as
mulch or when converted into compost. Gather and stockpile
fallen leaves and pine needles or use them to build a compost
heap. Lay down a 6-inch layer of leaves and a 4-inch layer of
grass clippings or other green material. Cover with a light
sprinkling of garden soil, and wet the layer with a hose. Repeat
layers until the pile is at least 3 or 4 feet tall. A cup of
fertilizer can substitute for the green material to provide the
necessary nitrogen for decomposition. Plant Cool-Season Flowers
Plant cool-season color bedding plants now. Pansies need well-
drained soil and at least a half-day of sun. Other annuals to
set out as transplants now inc