For garden enthusiasts November means end-of-the-year yard cleanups, and the last bulb, tree and shrub plantings of the year. Payne’s has glazed and unglazed pottery to choose from — stock varies at both locations.  Here are some ideas on what to do with containers:

Large frost-proof tubs containing hardy perennials, shrubs, or trees may be left out all winter. Make sure not to place outdoor containers under eaves, where icy water melting from the winter roof can saturate them. Place them facing south or so they receive at least approximately 5 to 6 hours of sunshine a day in a protected location.

Outdoor containers that held annuals or vegetables should be emptied of all soil before the hard freezes hit. Throw the soil onto the compost heap for reuse next season. With wooden containers, leave the soil there so that the wood doesn’t dry out during the winter.

Bring into the garage or potting shed any pots that are not frost-proof, such as ordinary non-glazed clay pots. Scrub the pots in hot, soapy water to which bleach has been added (1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water). This will ensure that no soil disease organisms overwinter in the pots to infect next year’s plants.