November Timely Tips

Ornamentals & Lawn

1. Apply Fertilome Winterizer to your lawn for good root development before winter.
2. Keep leaves raked off of lawns to prevent fungal problems from developing.
3. Spring blooming bulbs may be planted until the ground freezes.
4. After a hard frost has occurred, clean off  perennial beds, annual plantings and landscape areas.  Remove all debris and re-mulch for winter protection.
5. White pine and other evergreens may show signs of needles turning yellow and dropping towards the inside of the plant; this is perfectly normal. 
6. Water evergreens, perennials, trees & shrubs to protect against winter damage; about 1" of precipitation each month is needed through the dormant period.
7. Plant trees, shrubs and perennials for good root growth before winter. 

Fruits and Veggies

1. Divide rhubarb plants.
2. Till garden areas in the fall to help expose insects to the winter elements.  This should help with decreased insect populations for next year.
3. Protect plants, which are still actively growing and producing, from frost with row cover or a cotton sheet if there is a threat of frost.  The use of plastic coverings can harm plants.

Birds & Wildlife

1. Protect trees from fall deer damage by applying tree wrap.  Use white plastic to reflect sunlight in the winter.
2. Stock bird feeders and watering stations.

Houseplants

1. Reduce or eliminate fertilizer on houseplants until spring.
2. Increase humidity around houseplants to prevent drying out in heated homes and offices.
3. Houseplants in plastic pots or in cool rooms will need water less frequently than those in clay pots or warm rooms.  Watch for extreme temperature drafts from heaters, windows and doors.