Warm temperatures are keeping tomatoes, eggplant and peppers still producing throughout the garden. Frost has yet to be predicted, but if we prepare for it now we won't have to scramble when it comes. Exposed water pipes, hose bibs, and timers need to be wrapped with insulating material such as a towel or blanket and protected from getting wet. A great help is a silver sun shade for a car and a bungee cord, both from the 99 cent store. Water will drain out of piping beyond the clock so those tubes do not need to be protected.

Plants thrive on less water now than they did two months ago so it's wise to reduce the length of time the water is on. It's a good habit to manually turn on the water to visualize the connections and emitters so you know they are functioning properly every time you visit the garden. When did you last remove the batteries from your timers and inspect them?  Batteries can corrode and damage the device before they die; outdoor weather is hard on batteries and it is better to replace them if they show signs of leaking. Remember to re-program the clock.

Lots of leaf lettuce is growing; this is a process crop, meaning grow, harvest, eat, grow, harvest, eat. Pick the larger leaves on the outside frequently. Don't let them get too big because the stems will get milky and bitter. If harvested regularly one leaf lettuce plant will provide many healthy salads.

There is still time to put in onion plants or sets and garlic cloves for harvest in late spring/early summer. See last month's article for planting tips. Peas, spinach, and carrots may germinate well if put in soon. This is the month to browse seed catalogs and sources for next spring's plantings. Find interesting varieties of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, etc.; order the seeds this month and plant indoors in January. They are slow starters and will be ready to put out the end of March.

If that's not satisfying enough, try growing sprouts in a jar on your kitchen counter. Get seeds from a food source such as a grocery store; don't use seeds for gardens because they often are treated with fungicide to prevent decay in the soil before they sprout. Mung beans, garbanzo beans, peas, alfalfa, clover, arugula, lentils, dill, broccoli, etc., can all be sprouted in a mason jar laid on its side with a little water in it with cheesecloth replacing the lid. It is very important to soak the seeds first then rinse and pour off the water at least once, maybe 2-3 times a day. Keep the seeds moist, but not sitting in water; clean and airy is the trick. Sprouts are wonderfully nutritious and add a great crunch to sandwiches, salads, and snacks. There are great web sites for all the info you need for successful sprouts and recipes and ideas on how to use them.

With Santa's visit only weeks away, why not drop a few hints about those gardening supplies you've been wanting all year, or maybe you need an idea for your gardening friend. Now is the chance to request those good gloves with the extended cuffs or that great little kneeling pad with handles that doubles as a bench. How about hand tools that won't fall apart (that you can keep in your locker!) or that large brimmed hat with a chin strap, or a gift certificate to your favorite nursery or seed catalog?  Whatever Santa brings to you, may it bring joy with it.

A very Merry Christmas to all my fellow gardeners!