Monthly Gardening Advice

November

ENJOY NATURE’S COLOR SHOW: Few things are more beautiful than autumn’s flame-colored leaves of red, yellow, gold and orange. If you would like to add some of these multi-hued trees to your landscape, visit the nursery now to see the fall color on each variety.

PLANT TREES: November is a great time to plant trees. Although the top portion of the tree is dormant and not actively growing, the roots will continue to grow until the soil freezes.

RAKE LEAVES: Although it seems like busy work, raking leaves is an important gardening task. A mat of leaves on your lawn can prevent water penetration and air circulation which could damage your grass. After raking, add the leaves to a compost pile to reduce landfill waste.

PLANT SPRING-FLOWERING BULBS: Time to plant spring blooming bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, crocus and hyacinths. Mulch the planting area after planting.

FRESHEN MULCHED AREAS: Add fresh mulch to your planting areas at a depth of no more than two inches. Mulches insulate the soil and help to protect plant roots from freezing temperatures.

APPLY LIME: If you have not already done so this year, have a soil test performed to see if you need to apply lime to your yard. As a general rule, soil east of the Mississippi tends to be acidic. Soil west of the Mississippi tends to be alkaline. If your soil test indicates that your soil is in the acidic pH range, apply lime at the rate of 40 pounds per 1000 square feet.

FORCE PAPERWHITE BULBS: Around mid-November, buy a paperwhite kit or place some Narcissus bulbs in a container with soil or a decorative planting medium like marbles or small stones. Fill the container with water until it reaches the bottom of the bulb. Place near a sunny window away from drafts and heat sources. In two to three weeks, you should have fragrant paperwhite blooms that will last throughout the holiday season. Paperwhite kits are a great gift idea.