With winter's approach growing ever more imminent, CREB®'s garden guru has compiled a list of tips and tricks aimed at helping Calgary green thumbs cope with the cold and snow.

Under layers of sunscreen, a hat and long sleeve sun protective clothing I am on holidays, kayaking in 30-plus heat. I know how to protect myself from the heat of the sun but back home; the plants in patio pots can't be left to their own resources. Luckily there are a few things gardeners can do to help plant pots thrive through weather extremes this summer.

When I saw the tomatoes flopping over in the greenhouse, I went to grab a roll of string to hold them back. On my way to find the string, I saw the wilting mint and decided I should plant it in the ground, so I went to get my favourite transplant spade. My husband admitted to leaving the spade out front in the new pumpkin patch. When I got the spade, I spotted a nest of emerging baby spiders on a hosta leaf so went indoors to get my camera. In case you're at a loss — there is definitely a lot of dabbling in garden this week.