I walked out the door today and I was hit by that fall feeling in the air. My first thought is that it was way too early. We have had a very strange summer her in NW PA. The gardens suffered and it made the season move along too quickly.

But I also noticed while out walking Nikea that all those hidden colors of fall are popping up. At this time of year you still have the bright colors of summer but the fall foliage and flowers are moving in too.

To perk up your gardens this is a great time to start dividing up certain perennials and adding new perennials.  It’s also the perfect time to get great prices on annuals and mums.

The local greenhouse will still have a few marigolds, dusty millers, red salvia and a new array of mums. The annuals are at give away prices now and will add new color to your gardens and depending on where you live a few more months of color. Often times at this time of year I will plant the newly purchased annuals in pots and containers so that I can bring them in on colder nights. They also can also be covered at night.

Our summer and fall seasons have varied a lot in the last few years so I am never sure when the first frost will be. Last year it was very later September and then we had another three weeks with frost free temperatures, which lead to a fall filled with color.

I think I will check out the garden centers tomorrow and see if I can find a great deal on plants and extend the color in the gardens. I might even find great deals on planters and garden art pieces.

Annual plants to look for for late planting: geraniums, marigolds, dusty miller, red salvia, flowering cabbage or mums.

Pressure canning will give you the possibilities to can food that is not high in acid. I use pressure canners for beans, soups, meats and other mixed foods.

Pressure canning takes a little more practice and care. It is very important to make sure the pressure-canning gauge is working properly. In my area you can take your pressure canner to the nearest Extension Office and they will gladly test the gauge and reset it for you.

The other important step in pressure canning is to make sure you do not open the canner before all pressure has been released from the canner. This is very important!

This video is the last of the pressure-canning video’s and has great information.

Canning your garden produce can save you money and produces fresh quality food for the winter months.

Pressure canning has more steps than water bath canning and it can be a little intimidating the first time you can produce and other food. But with practice and care pressure-cooking is easy.

This beginning you tube video gives you the basic steps and concerns of canning. It takes you though all the equipment needed and even cans water as an experimental step in beginning canning.

I myself have never had a problem with pressure canning but I have always used care and my family also helped with my first canning experiences. But I have to admit the first pressure-canning experience was a bit scary.

The second follow-up pressure canning you tube can be seen at this link: http://thegardenersrake.com/home-canning-basics-pressure-canning-part-2