Garden Calendar

GARDEN CALENDAR November list of what to do in the garden.

LAWN • Rake fallen leaves from the lawn to prevent winter suffocation. • Fertilize bluegrass and tall fescue with a high nitrogen fertilizer to promote root development and early spring green-up. • Provide turf with ample moisture as it goes into winter. • Control dandelions, henbit and chickweed with a broadleaf herbicide. • Mow as needed into the fall at 3 inches. • Drain gas or add a stabilizer to lawn mower engine for winter storage. • Get a jump on spring by repairing equipment this fall.

TREES AND SHRUBS • Water newly planted trees and shrubs. • Provide ample moisture to evergreens, whether young or old, during winter. • Protect young plants from rabbit damage by wrapping or making a wire screen. • Plant new trees and shrubs. • Rake leaves. • Check mulch layers and replace. • Prune dead or hazardous limbs. • Do not prune spring flowering trees and shrubs until after bloom. • • • • VEGETABLES AND FRUITS • Sort apples in storage, remove spoiled fruit. • Clean and remove fallen fruit from around trees to reduce insects and disease next year. • Mulch strawberries after several hard freezes. • Remove all debris from the garden. • Take a soil test and make needed adjustments this fall. • Till garden soil and add organic matter. • Review garden notes about successes and failures in the garden. • Start planning for next year.

FLOWERS • Clean up rose beds to help reduce disease next season. • Mulch hybrid tea roses for winter. • Remove frost killed annuals. • Till annual flower beds and add organic matter to improve soil tilth. • Continue to plant spring flowering bulbs. • Dig and store tender bulbs, cannas, gladiolus and others in a cool, dry area. • Cut back tall hybrid tea rose canes to 24 inches to prevent winter breakage.

MY GARDEN (Use this space to list additional tasks to accomplish in your garden.) • Mulch perennials after several hard freezes. HOUSEPLANTS • Check plants for insects such as aphids and spider mites. • Keep plants away from heat vents and cold drafts. • Locate plants away from windows about one foot to protect from the winter cold. • Reduce or stop fertilizing until spring. • Water as needed and avoid letting roots stand in water. • Rinse to remove dust from leaves. • Continue dark treatment of poinsettias for holiday re-blooming. • Plant and water amaryllis bulbs for

Christmas bloom.

MISCELLANEOUS • Clean and oil garden tools, sprayers and other equipment for winter storage. • Drain garden hoses and sprinklers and store indoors for increased life. • Use fall leaves to start a compost pile. • Turn compost pile to hasten breakdown. • Start a garden wish list for the holidays.

Johnson County K-State Research and Extension recommends environmentally-friendly gardening practices. This starts by identifying and monitoring problems. Cultural practices and controls are the best approach for a healthy garden. If needed, use physical, biological or chemical controls. Always consider the least toxic approach first. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000.