November 2008 Gardening Checklist
- Houseplant growth will slow so apply less fertilizer and water.
- Move plants closer to windows or to sunnier exposures if plants are dropping leaves.
- Remove dead or diseased branches from trees and shrubs.
- Late fall fertilizing can help keep the lawn green into winter and boost early spring recovery. Greenview Fairway Formula Late Fall Fertilizer contains a slow-release nitrogen that feeds the lawn for up to 16 weeks and aids early spring green up. It helps build a strong root system for winter hardiness, resulting in a healthier, greener lawn.
- Continue planting container-grown and balled-and-burlapped plants as long as ground can be worked and weather permits. Mulch well. Keep watering new plantings until ground freezes.
- Prepare hole if you plan to use a “live” Christmas tree (one that is balled-and-burlapped or growing in a container). Mulch the area heavily to prevent freezing or dig the hole and put the fill in a protected area that won’t freeze, such as a garage or basement.
- Pull remaining vegetable and annuals plants from the garden beds.
- Strawberry plants need protection from winter extremes. Apply winter protection when plants are dormant but before temperatures drop below 20 degrees, usually late November or early December.
- Tea, miniature and climbing roses may need winter protection. Mound about a foot of top soil over the base of the plants. Don’t dig soil from around the plants. Purchase bags of top soil at garden centers for this purpose.
