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Gardening Tips for November
Posted: Monday, November 2nd, 2009
First frost may arrive this month. Stay tuned to television and news reports to find out exactly when, or check with your local nursery for your area's average first frost date. To Do in November: Young Trees • Check that stakes on young trees are secure for the winter winds to come. The best way to stake young trees is to provide two stakes, one on each side of the tree, each eight to ten inches from the trunk. With a pliable material that won’t cut into the tree (such as pantyhose), tie on an extended figure eight. Tying in this way enables the tree to move in the wind but only to a certain extent. Trees tied too tightly are at risk of damage to the bark and do not as readily develop an anchoring collar of roots as they mature Roses • Prepare your roses for winter. For most, this means mounding several inches of soil around the base. Cut back hybrid teas and other roses to prevent their canes from whipping in the wind. As the leaves drop on climbing roses, check to see that they are securely tied. Extra length on canes can be trimmed to shape at this time as well Bulbs • You can still plant spring-blooming bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, this month as long as the ground hasn’t frozen. Perennials • If desired, cut back perennials felled by frost to just a few inches. As long as the leaves aren’t diseased, pitch them in the compost heap. Then go over the perennials with a few inches of lightweight mulch, such as chopped leaves or pine needles. However, there are two camps on this. Some feel that perennials, especially fuchsias, overwinter better with more foliage attached and look more interesting besides. Potted Plants • Bury potted plants up to their rims to prevent the roots from freezing. Tool Care • After you’re done with your hand tools, clean and oil them for winter storage.
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