Mulch, mulch, mulch

Summer is over but it's time to mulch the garden again, in preparation for winter, especially in frost zones.  Mulch not only helps with water evaporation, but it can offer protection from wind and frost too. Adding a thick layer around your winter veggies (leave a small area clear around each plant) will also help to insulate the soil, keeping it warm for good growing.  You can use bark, straw, mulched autumn leaves (and there are plenty of those around), even stones as mulch, you don't have to rush out and buy it.