Master gardener Brian Minter's tips for the fall season

The summer is ending,and for gardenersit's just about time to wave goodbye to the season's vibrant greens.

But that doesn't mean you can't have color in your garden throughout the colder climes.

Master gardener Brian Minter recently sat down withB.C. Almanacguest host Andrew Changto discuss how to make the most out of your fall garden.

"When we get into that real dull weather, we will totally appreciate the color that we put into it," said Minter.

Minter offered three tips and a lot of other helpful advice on how to take advantage of the season.

The colourswitch

First and foremost: make the colour switch.

"Using things like foliage anything that has colourful stems, interesting leaves, yellows, oranges and bright colours that are going to be with us throughout the winter time," Minter said.

The most popular plant entering the fall and through the winter will be winter flowering heather, he says,which will flower for several months duringthe cold season.

Heathers can bring a variety of pinks, reds and oranges that will brighten up your garden through the winter. For tips on how to cultivate them, you can visit Minter's website.

Get your garlic in!

There's only a couple of weeks left to get your garlic in the ground, but the soonerthe better, says Minter.

There arequite a few varieties to choose from.

"In most garden stores, they're carrying a wide selection up to 15 or 20 varieties today. But I have to say, from a lot of the growers that we talk to, the Red Russian seems to be the dominant, care-free,idiot-proof variety for me that just seems to perform well," said Minter.

Plant them three times the width of the bulb deep roughly three inches in very well-drained soil.

Don't forget fast food

Minter says it's the perfect time to get your lettuce crops in spinach, romaine, butter, and the like. They'll grow fast in the fall temperatures, so try to get a few crops in before it really gets too cold.

With files from CBC'sBC Almanac

To listen to the full interview, click on the audio labelled: Master gardener Brian Minter shares tips on how to get your garden ready for the fall