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 on 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 in spring, 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
