In early fall, here are five things to do in the garden to encourage plant growth before harvest and help certain plants overwinter.

The big five

1. Pinch - Right now, vining winter squash and pumpkins are growing rapidly. Still, squash and pumpkins could use some help to get them to harvest.

The method to use is a simple one: pinch! Prune off the growing tip of vining winter squashes and pumpkins, then remove smaller fruits. Those smaller squash and pumpkins just won't have enough time to mature this late in the season.

Pinching or pruning the plant at its growth point helps send more energy into the fruits that are remaining. They'll have more energy to mature, and you'll get better produce.

This same pruning technique works with Brussels sprouts, too. If your Brussels sprouts don'

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