Garden Activities for November

November is the time for cleaning up the garden and putting it to bed for the winter. Leaves are falling rapidly and can be used for compost or mulching. There is still time to get bulbs in the ground as well as shrubs and trees in the ground.

Here are some chores to keep in mind –

• General Clean-Up  – Fallen leaves can be used as compost material or as mulch. Leaves that have been shredded or pulverized is best for using on beds and borders. Try to avoid layering heavy leaves too thickly. An ideal mulch is one that allows water and nutrients to penetrate the ground and not act as a barrier.
• Bulbs and tuberous plants – If you haven’t planted bulbs like daffodils or tulips, get them in the ground as soon as possible. Now is the time to pot up indoor bulbs like amaryllis and paperwhite narcissus. Begonias, lilies and other tuberous plants that were grown in pots should be moved to a garage or area where they will be protected by freezing temperatures. Water them sparingly (about once a month) and bring them back out next spring.
• Dahlias can be left in the ground if you have excellent drainage. For best results, however, they should periodically be lifted and divided. Tips for doing this is here on a previous blog post.
• Lawns – It is too late to plant new grass now but maintain established lawns by keeping grass mowed and raked free of debris. Do not be alarmed by mushrooms popping up, this is a sign of good soil. They are not harmful and are actually beneficial. This is a good time to apply a nitrogen fertilizer. A slow-release one is great and will last through the winter months. Check with our staff for recommendations.
• Perennials can be planted now as well as divided. Spent foliage can be cut back or be left for winter birds. It is a good idea to leave perennials with seed heads intact until late winter or early spring. Mulch perennials with compost or leaves to help protect them during the winter months as well as provide nutrition for next season. Do not cut back hardy fuchsias, kniphofia (red hot poker) or epimedium until late winter.
• Roses can be transplanted now but wait until February – April to plant new ones. Also wait until February to prune.
• Shrubs – Continue to plant shrubs and this is also a good time to move them. Avoid fertilizing or pruning at this time.
• Trees – Continue to plant shrubs and this is also a good time to move them. Avoid fertilizing or pruning at this time.