November Gardening Checklist

 

Old man winter is just around the corner, but thereÕs still time for some last minute pampering in your garden.  Keeping your plants healthy and happy through the winter will ensure a successful spring.  Plus, itÕs still not too late (as long as the ground hasnÕt frozen) to plant bulbs as well as a few trees and shrubs.

 

Perennials

November may be the last call for perennials.

á             If the ground hasn't frozen yet, plant spring-flowering bulbs such as crocus, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths as soon as possible to beat the odds.

á             As perennials die, cut them back along with any dead leaves, and add them to compost.

 

 

Trees and shrubs

Gardening wisdom holds that pruning is best saved for later, as winter starts its long, cold wink.

á             Keep moving in those trees and shrubs. The roots love late-autumn planting, which lets them overwinter before they have to call up the strength demanded by spring leafing.

á             Fertilizing should be stopped, unless leaves have been smaller than usual or displayed fall coloring too early, both signs of stress.

á             Roses can be mulched now.

á             Be sure that roses, raspberries, and crawling vines are securely staked; winter wind can wreak havoc on fragile or top-heavy shrubs.

á             Late in the month, use paper tree wrap around the trunks of saplings and other tender trees to protect them from the dramatic temperature changes ahead.

 

Transplanting

Plants, trees, and shrubs are in their dormant cycle. At last, it's safe to transplant! Think azaleas, rhododendrons, and even peonies.

á             Dig up a large root ball, including as much of the root system as possible.

á             Dig a new hole with enough luxury room to give the root ball lots of good new soil to tempt growth.

á             Replant quickly, before the roots have a chance to air dry.

á             When you replant, use a mix of existing soil with plenty of peat moss and compost or processed manure, as well as some transplanting fertilizer.

á             Protect taller plants and trees from being whipped around by winter winds: Stake them until their roots are well enough established to stabilize them.

 

 

Lawn care

Three words: Fall means fertilizing! And one or two last kisses from the lawn mower.

á             Apply slow-release winter fertilizer now, if you didn't do so in September or October, with a lime additive if necessary.

á             Keep up with mowing until your grass stops growing, and then give it one final shot to reduce the risk of winter disease and make it less inviting to rodents.

 

 

Winterizing

Even if you're not wild about braving the vagaries of November, you don't want to put this one off: Get started now on protecting tender plants, as well as pipes, planters, and tools, from winter surprises.

á             Insulate outdoor water connections so that indoor pipes don't freeze orÑyou really don't want this to happenÑburst.

á             After the ground has frozen 1 to 2 inches deep, mound straw, bark, or sawdust around exposed roots and plant bases, particularly of strawberries and roses.

á             Lighten your load in the spring by turning over the soil in vegetable beds now.

á             After leaves drop from deciduous plantsÑincluding trees and fruit-bearers of all typesÑa dose of dormant spray will help protect them from diseases and insects. You'll want to give them a second dose in December and a final one in February.

á             Before you put flowerboxes and other planters in winter storage, empty them out and bathe them with a solution of soap and mild bleach.

á             Drain and store hoses to prevent cracking.

á             Garden tools should be cleaned and oiled. Fill a bucket with a mixture of sand and oil, and glide your tools through the mixture with a sawing motion; the sand will revive their edges and the oil residue will help keep them rust-free.

 

 

Watering

November brings a welcome relief from watering choresÑfor the most partÑbut evergreens need one last bit of care.

á             The winter elements can spell "winter burn," or even death, to evergreens if they don't have enough water. Give them a final soak this month.

 

 

Weeding

Even on the cusp of winter, the need to weed continues. Think of it this way: If you don't deal with them now, they'll be happy hosts for diseases and insects, as well as make seed showers for future populations.

á             Take a look around the garden to find problem areas of crabgrass, and make a note to treat these spots in the spring with a pre-emergent herbicide.

 

 

Harvesting

Imagine having your own fresh vegetables at ThanksgivingÑbut then again, you may not have to.

á             If you planted pumpkins in July or August, they should be ready to be harvested right about now, when their shells are hardened and the plant has been killed by the first frost. (Just in time for pie!)

á             Cabbage, brussels sprouts, and kale in the ground actually grow sweeter with the arrival of frost. Take advantage by harvesting them on the late side.

á             Extend the harvest season of root crops such as carrots, leeks, and beets (being underground, they're protected from frost) by giving them a healthy layer of mulch.

 

 

Houseplants

By now, houseplants are easy roommates. Help them along by paying attention without overdoing it.

á             The time for fertilizing has come and gone. The reduced light of winter means they don't need as many nutrients, or as much water. That said...

á             Flowering cacti should be kept well-watered, and these especially should kept away from drafts.

á             Give plants a misting now and then to help replenish moisture lost by indoor winter heating.