A few months ago in this column were suggestions for September to-do’s, and now that the summer gardens are history there are suggestions for November.
We have been given a reprieve from bitter cold temperatures— so take advantage of every chance we are given to clean up this year’s gardens and prepare for next spring.
• Inspect garden remains for plants that were buggy or infected by disease, and discard.
• Decaying and rotting vegetation will encourage pests, given them safe harbor for next spring. Discard such plant material.
• Plant material that is still healthy can be added to the compost pile. Cut up the living organic matter into small pieces and incorporate into the compost.
• Deadhead annuals and perennials. Seedheads from annuals such as zinnias, hollyhocks and marigolds, or perennials like verbena, scabiosa and pinks can be saved for planting in the spring. They can also just be scattered in the garden, and volunteers will reseed and reappear in the spring. • Check lawns and gardens for leftover weeds.
• Check lawns and gardens for leftover weeds.
• Restore organic matter lost over the summer by covering summer gardens that have been tilled with compost, shredded leaves, mulch, straw or pine needles. Apply a layer of several inches. Over the winter, microorganisms will degrade the organic matter, incorporating it into the soil.
• Consider planting a cover crop. Winter rye is a good cover crop but till it under in the spring before seed set or your garden soil will be host to rye for many years.
• Check trees and shrubs for branches that may cause trouble with winter ice storms. Remove now any dead or damaged limbs.
• If patio plants were brought indoors, check them for residual pests like mealybugs or whiteflies. They will multiply rapidly in the warm indoor environment.
• There is still time to plant containerized or balled and burlaped trees and shrubs. This is an excellent time to look at fall color of trees like Bradford pear, crabapples, and Chinese Pistache. They do not all have the same complement of fall leaf colors, and the best time to choose your specimen is when their fall color is on display.
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