Our fall season has been very dry. Even though the
foliage on trees and shrubs is gone, the roots need moisture to build up spring
buds and increase root growth. The amount of water needed may be less than when
the foliage was on the plants, but
water is still very important.
It is sad to watch the garden fading into winter, but at
least we don’t have to say goodbye. Spring will return, as naturally as the sun
will rise tomorrow morning. All we have to do is get the garden prepped so that
it can rest until its renewal a few months from now. Here is a to-do list that
will help you prepare your garden for its winter’s nap.
Clean out and cut back. Loads of dead leaves and rotten
stalks on plants can harbor disease, even through the winter season. But, don’t
cut all your plants back to the ground, and don’t pick up every leaf. It is a
great treat to leave some seed heads on plants for the winter birds and
ornamental grasses for their winter art in the garden. Leaving some plant stalks to protect the
crowns of tender perennials is also beneficial.
Cover up. Mulch is the best winter protection for your
plants. Wood mulch is the most common. Wait until the ground has frozen
slightly, usually around Thanksgiving for us, to ensure the plants are in their
dormancy state. If the snow falls before you get the opportunity to get the job
done, mulch over the snow. Some woody perennials and shrubs may benefit from
soil mounded around the base. These plants, in our area include, roses, crape
myrtle, butterfly bushes to name a few. Tender shrubs may need to be screened
or wrapped with burlap or something similar, not plastic.
Dig in. There is still time to plant some garden jewels
this month. Trees, shrubs and plants that have a root ball larger than a gallon
can be put into the ground.
In addition, now is the time
to plant those spring beauties we call bulbs. To enjoy the beauty and bright
colors of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils as well as crocus and alliums, plant
them NOW. Bulbs need 10-12 weeks of cold soil temperatures. Therefore, in our
area you can plant up to the Christmas season, as long as frost hasn’t built up
in the soil.
Write down. You will find that a garden log or journal
will be very helpful next spring when you’re trying to identify those first
tentative green shoots and wondering whether you divided that Hosta plant last
fall or should you do it now. Draw a basic diagram of each bed, noting the
plants and adding photos where you can. A little extra effort with your journal
will pay off next spring.
Here are a few other duties to think about this month of
November. Continue mowing lawn grasses as long as they keep growing, 3” is a
good height. Apply Winterizer fertilizer to lawns to strengthen plant stems and
roots for winter growth and early spring green up.
Cover garden ponds with bird or pond netting to prevent
leaves from fouling the water. Oxygen depletion from rotting organic matter can
cause a winterkill of pond fish. Take steps to prevent garden ponds from freezing
solid in winter. Using a floating garden heater in the pond will lessen the
chance of ice damage.
Set up bird feeders. Birds also appreciate a source of
unfrozen drinking water during the winter. Use one of the many styles of
birdbath heaters or heated birdbaths available at garden centers. When feeding
the birds, set up a variety of feeder types to get the best assortment of birds
to come to your yard. Tube feeders are good for songbirds, platform feeders are
good for cardinals and larger birds, and suet is a great source of fat and
energy for woodpeckers and all bird types.
Enjoy the antics of wildlife and the beauty of plant art
in the garden during this upcoming winter season. I will give you more to look
forward to in the winter garden in December. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving to
all and enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.
See you in the garden,
Sandi Hillermann McDonald
