By Susan Andrews

There are many signs that fall is here, which means for the many gardeners in Suffolk it is time to get rid of those tired tomatoes, puny peppers and sad squash.

They say that “a change is as good as a rest.” So refresh the soil, and revitalize your garden with some fresh new plants! Gardeners tend to get pretty excited when the seasons change, and it is time to think about new plantings.

The Suffolk Partnership for a Healthy Community wants to share some of that excitement through its fall-themed Garden Forum. Among its many projects, the Suffolk Partnership has established community gardens throughout the city, at schools, churches, and in neighborhood backyards, in its efforts to educate the public about healthy lifestyle choices and healthy eating.

Garden Forums are a way to bring the community together and get the word out that planting vegetables and eating healthy can be fun for the whole family.

Now is a good time to start planting early cabbage, collards, endive, kale, lettuce, Swiss chard, arugula, broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.

If you are interested in growing fall vegetables in your garden and would like some tasty recipes, interesting tips on canning, and creative ideas for Thanksgiving table arrangements, you may want to spend some time at the Suffolk Partnership Garden Forum, from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Johnson’s Gardens.

Garden advisors will be on hand to answer your gardening questions about fall crops and to share handy garden tips. Pumpkin painting will entertain the youngsters, and there will be plenty to enjoy whether you are an old hand at gardening or just starting out.

To register, call 539-1525 or email info@suffolkpartnership.org with your name, address, and phone number. If you register in advance, you will have a chance to win one of the fabulous fall-themed door prizes that is sure to get you excited.