The nights are cold and the days are brisk, so most gardens in the Albuquerque area have gone dormant for the season. Take care of a few last minute yard and garden tasks before the holiday season brings us indoors to spend time with friends and family for the rest of the year.

Fall Flowers

Most fall flowers, including asters and mums, are finished blooming for the year. Cut back their stems to within a few inches of the ground after frost causes the plants to whither. Peonies, irises and other summer blooming plants need the same treatment once their foliage dies back.

Tender Potted Plants

Now is the time to bring in your tender plants before a freeze causes death or permanent damage. Most tender plants can't tolerate temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Albuquerque frequently experiences freezing temperatures in winter. Overwinter the most tender of plants indoors. You can keep less tender plants in a garage or shed until spring.

Winterize Your Pots

Clay and terracotta pots are prone to breakage during winter temperature fluctuations. Empty out the old soil from annual plants into the compost heap and store these pots indoors. Wash clay pots with hot water and wash plastic planters with soapy water. Cleaning the pots now ensures they are ready to plant first thing in spring.

Clean Your Tools

Wash, oil and sharpen your garden tools before storing them away for the season. Not only will they be ready first thing in spring, the tools won't rust during the winter months.

Last Minute Planting

It's not too late to plant spring bulbs, including tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Now is also the time for planting garlic in the vegetable garden. A few minutes of effort now will provide colorful rewards in the spring.