Many vegetable gardens are nearing their end for the year. While sanitation is extremely important at all times to limit insect and disease problems, it is critical at the end of the season to prevent the carry over and build up of diseases, such as Septoria, Alternaria, Verticillium, and Fusarium on tomatoes. Clean-up measures include:

*Removing all plant materials possible. Rake the soil and the top layer of mulch to remove all remnants of plant materials, including roots. Remember that insects and diseases will overwinter on weeds such as wild solanaceous plants, including ground cherry, nightshade, and jimsonweed, so it is critical that all weeds are removed. While composting is a very worthwhile endeavor, remember that home compost piles seldom reach temperatures high enough to pasteurize all of the materials inside. Therefore, be careful not to include any potentially infected/contaminated plant parts or debris from your garden in your compost. Instead, bag them up and remove from the area.

*Sanitizing all materials and equipment used in the garden. Pull up all stakes and trellises. Clean them of remnants of plant materials and soil and sterilize with a 10% Chlorox solution. Then rinse them off with a hose and allow to dry before storing for the winter.

*Storing materials and equipment properly. Tie stakes in bundles and stack them so that they won't get lost over the winter. If possible, roll up trellises and tie them securely. Store these items inside your attic, barn, or shed in an area where they are out of the way, and where rodents and other animals cannot use them as winter nests. Clean your garden tools - oil them to prevent rust and store them for winter. Consult the manufacturer’s directions on winterizing power equipment. Store leftover pesticides in their original containers and lock them up in a dry place. Prevent liquid products from freezing. Before disposing of small amounts of leftover garden pesticides or empty containers, consult the label for special precautions. Remember - the label is the law. Do not forget to wash out and dry your sprayer before hanging it up for the winter. A light coating of oil will help protect any moving parts.