TALKING GARDENING with DOUG – Gardening Tips for November

THE FACT THAT IT IS NOW NOVEMBER DOES NOT MEAN TO PUT AWAY YOUR GARDENING TOOLS AND HIBERNATE JUST YET!

Here we are in early November with the holidays just around the corner and we are still having great weather to be outside and doing needed gardening tasks.  Yes, it feels like fall with our current temperatures but we have yet to have a killing frost.  But, we continue to have a mild fall up to this point which means the planting season is still here.

FALL IS FOR PLANTING so don’t let our calendar dictate your gardening activities.  With all this rain and with our soil temperature staying warm this combination creates a good planting time.  Roots continue to grow and develop this time of year and plants planted now will have nearly 7 months of development before the possible stress of heat and dryness next summer.

HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT GARDENING TIPS FOR NOVEMBER

• Our evergreen plants have had a great growing season with all this rain and mild temperatures and they may look a little “out of shape”.   PLEASE – do not prune your evergreen plants now.  Once we have a cold snap that sends our plants into dormancy then you can consider doing some judicious pruning.  Just keep in mind that for most evergreen plants it is best to prune in early March, just before the upcoming growing season.
• Because of this warm trend, it is still an ok time to add some more grass seed to the lawn – especially if you discover some bare areas.  Our soil temperature is still warm enough for good germination.
• With all this rain that we are experiencing this year now is a good time to turn off your irrigation system for the winter.  You want to avoid having frozen backflows.
• If you love to feed the birds, now is a good time to set out the birdfeeders.  The decision to feed wild birds is not a casual one.  Without a doubt, it is an investment to keep bird feeders full.  With this investment comes plenty of personal rewards and enjoyment. And  –  a birdfeeder makes a great holiday gift to someone.
• Now is a good time to prep your water gardens and water fountains for the winter.  If you don’t use a water heater in the fountain then it is recommended that you turn the fountain bowl upside down so that water does not collect in the bowl and freeze that may cause cracking.
• You can still plant the spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, and tulips.
• Closer to the end of November is the time to apply the last feeding to our cool season fescue lawns.  This timely feeding aids in the development of a strong root system.  With a strong root system the lawn will be better able to withstand drought conditions next summer.
• On nice, warm November days please take some time to walk about your gardens.  Take time to reflect on the successes and failures of your different garden projects.  Make notes for wanting to do something new or different next year.
• Leaves are falling.  Leaves are an excellent source of organic matter and other nutrients.  They can be added to the compost pile or used as mulch around plants for the winter.  Thank Mother Nature for the free compost / mulch.

HAPPY NOVEMBER GARDENING!!!!