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Gardening
Tips for November Finish autumn's chores and prepare the garden for our first frost.
Yes, even though fall has been exceedingly warm, Mother Nature
has a way of surprising us. Historically our first frost hits
in the middle of November. Another reason to expedite clean up
is the holiday season. Once that starts we know we won't
have time for any garden chores, except for raking leaves. GARDEN CHORES Prune dense trees such as the California pepper and Chinese evergreen
elm before winter storms arrive. Selectively remove entire branches
to allow airflow through the tree canopy and prevent wind from
blowing over top heavy trees. PLEASE DON'T stub branches back
so trees end up looking like hat racks! Large trees should be
pruned by a certified arborist. Wrap trunks of frost susceptible plants, such as young palms
and citrus with heavy paper or burlap, not plastic. Do not fertilize
citrus and other frost tender plants, since new growth becomes
subject to frost burn. Wish for rain! Until it arrives keep sprinkler timers on. Weed prevention: If winter weeds are popping up now, remove
them while young before new seeds form. If weeds are a big problem
in large flowerbeds or lawns, then apply a preemergence herbicide
to prevent annual weed germination. Discourage weeds by mulching
flowerbeds, shrubs and trees with a thick layer of mulch or leaves.
If using preemergence herbicides, spray first then add a layer
of mulch. Critter control: Now that nights are cooler slugs and
snails are lurking about. Hand-pick or use snail bait to control.
If you've got pets or kids that gobble up anything and everything,
then try iron sulfate baits instead of the poisonous metaldehyde
baits. These break down into fertilizer and can be used on any
ornamental or vegetable plant right up to picking with no worry
for harm. Perennials: Cut back chrysanthemums after bloom. Leave
stems approximately 6" long on big bushes. Old clumps can
be lifted and divided, just discard the woody center and replant.
Potted plants from stores can also be cut back and planted in
the garden. Come spring they will be covered with new foliage. Dormant sprays: If peach or nectarine trees had curled
or puckered leaves this summer, then take preventative measures
now against the fungal disease called "peach leaf curl"
for next spring. Rake leaves when they fall, remove any fruit
mummies, and discard both rather than put them in the compost
pile. Spray trunk, branches and ground underneath tree with a
copper-based fungicide or a Bordeaux mixture (slurry made of hydrated
lime and copper sulfate) or a synthetic fungicide. WHAT TO PLANT Winter color - Plant calendulas, delphinium, dianthus,
foxgloves, Iceland poppies, ornamental kale, pansies, primroses,
snapdragons and stock. Or spread wildflower seeds, like bachelor
buttons, California poppies, clarkia, gypsophila, and larkspur.
Scatter seeds in prepared soil, rake lightly, and water often
to keep seeds moist until they germinate. Bulbs - You still have all month to plant bulbs. Remember
only hyacinth and tulip bulbs need to be chilled for six to eight
weeks in the refrigerator prior to planting. Perennials - Sasanqua camellias (these can take
full sun) are in bloom now through early winter, while Japonica
camellias (these need shade) bloom in winter and early spring.
Choose your Sasanquas while in bloom and plant now. Trees - Shop for trees with colorful fall foliage in nurseries.
Select Chinese pistache, crape myrtle, Japanese maples, redbud,
red oak, and ginkgo trees. Ask the nursery for advice on new selections
and varieties for these old standbys. October 30, 2003 |