Fall Home & Garden 2020

HOME & GARDEN FALL 2020

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING 3C

FALL RECIPES 4C

GARDEN CALENDARS 5C

A SPECIAL SECTION TO THE WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS

2C• Saturday, October 24 – Sunday October 25, 2020 www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

The holidays are here … so are recommended options to celebrate during a pandemic household; XX Preparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others; XX Having a virtual dinner and sharing recipes with friends and family (everyone makes the same dishes and sits down together for a virtual meal); XX Shopping online rather than in person on the day after Thanksgiving or the following Monday; XX Watching sports events, parades and movies from home.

By VAIL STEWART RUMLEY Washington Daily News

F

all is a time of gathering, whether that’s gathering leaves and pine straw fallen a yard’s trees or gathering together to celebrate traditions such as Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Those celebrations may look at little different this year as the global coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of abating. After months of staying at home and social distancing, the urge to get together with friends and family is one of the primary reasons the virus continues to spread both locally and across the U.S., according to Beaufort County Health Director Jim Madson.

While the temptation exists to celebrate fall occasions the same as in years past, health officials are urging people to find alternative ways to have fun, yet stay safe.

HALLOWEEN The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta break down Halloween activities into lower-risk, moderate-risk and highrisk.

Lower-risk activities include: XX Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them; XX Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends; XX Decorating your house, apartment or living space; XX Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloweenthemed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance; XX Having a virtual Halloween costume contest;

VAIL STEWART RUMLEY | DAILY NEWS

EMOJI PUMPKINS: One option for Halloween celebrations is a pumpkin-carving contest with family and friends, outdoors and socially distanced in the year of pandemic.

XX Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with; XX Having a scavenger huntstyle trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house;

Moderate-risk activities include more people, but are all outdoor options: XX Participating in one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance (such as at the end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard); XX Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet apart; XX Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain more than 6 feet apart; XX Going to an open-air, one-

way, walk-through haunted forest where appropriate mask use is enforced, and people can remain more than 6 feet apart; XX Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing; XX Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends with people spaced at least 6 feet apart.

Higher-risk activities include many of the traditional, pre-COVID-19 Halloween celebrations, including: XX Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to door; XX Having tr unk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in

large parking lots; XX Attending crowded costume parties held indoors; XX Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming; XX Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household.

THANKSGIVING Though Thanksgiving is a time to gather loved ones from near and far to celebrate togetherness and a glorious buffet of favorite holiday food, enjoyable alternatives can be found.

While they may not be the preferred option, just as with any good recipe, substitutes will do in a pinch.

Lower-risk activities include keeping Thanksgiving close to home: XX Having a small dinner with only people who live in your

Moderate-risk activities again make outdoor modifications: XX Having a small outdoor dinner with family and friends who live in your community (CDC recommendations on hosting outdoor gatherings can be found at www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/dailylife-coping/personal-social-activities.html#gatherings); XX Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing.

Higher-risk activities include: XX Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of your household; XX Going shopping in crowded stores just before, on or after Thanksgiving; XX Attending crowded parades.

No matter how you celebrate the holidays this year, choose to do it safely and wisely. Know your options — and know that, next year, things will be different.

www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

Saturday, October 24 – Sunday October 25, 2020 • 3C

Add a delicious twist to your fall landscaping projects

M

y wife and I purchased a new (new to us) home this past February. We have been working on the inside, removing wallpaper, patching places in walls, painting, uncovering and refinishing some beautiful hardwood floors. We have run new wiring, retroGENE fitted a vanity into the FOX bathroom and expanded a closet, too! Oh, and we gutted the kitchen right before COVID-19 became a thing!

The kitchen has been a trial in and of itself. We removed two walls, a laminated beam that served no purpose and a chimney. The kitchen received a new shiplap ceiling, new cabinets, all new appliances and a new floor, in addition to updated wiring and plumbing.

Needless to say, we have been busy.

I say all of this to show how much we have poured into the inside of our home to make it ours. However, anyone who knows me, would know I have just been buying time until I can get to the outside!

The first thing folks see when they come to our homes isn’t the blood, sweat and tears we poured into our kitchen and dining area, but the outside. They see our lawns, our ornamentals beds and trees.

Now is the time to begin working on the outside of our homes!

LANDSCAPING: FORM AND FUNCTION Fall is the best time to plant trees, shrubs and hardy perennials to renovate areas or plant new areas. I have an edible landscape in mind for my home. Edible landscapes, simply stated, are a way for us to mix functional, food-producing plants among our posies and pretties.

Instead of planting boxwoods (Buxus sp.) as foundational plants, I might look at blueberries (Vaccinium sp.) right next to my azaleas (Rhododendron sp.) or mixed among camellias (Camellia sp.). All of these plants like a low pH and would do well together. Blueberries provide flowers in the spring, deep-green foliage in the summer (along with those plump, juicy berries), gorgeous red, fall foliage and attractive, red wood in the winter. They will require some pruning to keep them in shape and producing in late winter, but most shrubs do.

To start, I planned the landscape from the house to the road. My home receives very little sun in the front yard due to a few large pines and pecan trees. I need to plan for abundant shade as I look at selections for my front porch to the trees.

Looking at the area between the trees and the road, I receive sun from around noon until twilight. In this area, I would need to look at selections that can receive full sun, especially afternoon sun. The side yard receives ample sunlight all day to support full-sun selections. I will keep this in mind as a look at what I will plant there.

I like to use the online N.C. State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox to select plants. I have a few plants in mind for these areas, but I still need to know the culture of the plants before I select them.

For instance, I might want a few climbing vines such as Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) but as I look it up, it has severe poison characteristics for humans. I have four children who love to eat honeysuckle in the spring, and this plant resembles the Japanese honeysuckle that they love — so that’s a no-go at my house!

There are places in the yard I do not have any ideas for, as well. In these areas, I can use the Plant Toolbox to help me with selections. Much like online versions of Autotrader or Zillow, I can use filters to show only what will fit my criteria. For example, let’s say I am in the market for a truck. I have four children, so I have to have plenty of space, I do not have a whole lot to spend, and I am partial to a certain brand of truck. I can select criteria that matches what I am looking for and the site will show me selections that fit that criteria.

With the Plant Toolbox, it is much the same way. I can select plant traits that fit my criteria, and it will show selections that fit. In the areas of deep shade, I would select deep shade to dappled sunlight, perennials and maybe a certain flower color that my wife might like. I will then have a list to choose from, and I can add those that I like to my shopping list to print and take along to the nursery.

THE EDIBLE LANDSCAPE: BLUEBERRIES In my case, I am looking at an edible landscape, so I want selections that are not only pretty but have edible parts.

This might be flowers, fruits or even seeds. The first one I know that I want is blueberries. I love blueberries, and they are a powerhouse antioxidant full of nutrients. They have even been touted in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences as having a host of benefits including anticancer, anti-obesity, antiinflammation, antidiabetic and improve

GENE FOX

FROM LANDSCAPE TO PLATE: Long a favorite for fall/winter containers, collards and kale can add color and texture to both landscaping and dinner. cognitive decline. That is definitely something I want my kids snacking on while playing in the yard!

I know that blueberries like a low pH and full sunlight. I need to locate them in full sun, so I will use them as a privacy hedge along the road. This will give me an area of full sun. Next, I need to check the pH of my soil in that area using a soil sample kit from the Beaufort County Extension Center. To take the sample, I use a soil probe to take 15-20 cores in the area where I would like to plant. I put each of these cores in a single plastic bucket to mix them together. As a take the cores, I remove any turf or thatch from the sample core before putting it in my bucket. I want to sample 8 inches to 12 inches deep with each core. Once I take the sample, mix it and fill the provided box, I will send it, along with the completed form from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, for analysis. Typically, it will take two to three weeks before I receive the report in my email. Make sure to take your sample in the summer, so there is ample time to amend the soil before planting.

I want to make certain my blueberries are in well-drained soil. In order to make sure I have good drainage and the roots are not sitting in saturated soil, I will make a berm or raised bed for them using the surrounding soil and mixing in pine bark. At this time, I want to be able to mix and amend the soil according to my soil report. If I need to bring the pH down, I will look at elemental sulfur. I highly doubt I would need to bring the pH up, but if this is necessary, I would use lime.

In our area, rabbiteye (Vaccinium ashei) blueberry varieties tend to do a little better and have less instance of disease. A few cultivars include “Premier,” “Powderblue,” “Columbus,” and “Climax.” A mix of cultivars is better because some are early-season producers and others are late-season producers. Highbush (V. corymbosum) varieties have larger and better fruit quality but are not as widely adapted to our heat and soils. A line of Southern highbush varieties has been produced by N.C. State University that have the fruit quality of highbush and the better adaptation to our soils of rabbiteye. Southern highbush varieties include “O’Neal,” “Sampson,” “Legacy,” and “Blue Ridge.” Some of these varieties are self-fruitful, but most of them are not, so plan on planting at least two varieties.

THE EDIBLE LANDSCAPE: PEACHES I know I also want to plant peaches (Prunus persica). Peaches are a little more difficult to grow than blueberries.

They require more attention throughout the season, in addition to fairly heavy pruning each year during the dormant season. They require full sun, welldrained soils and plenty of air-drainage.

What is air-drainage? I want to make certain that my peaches are not planted up against a windbreak or at the bottom of a hill. These are both areas where cold air will gather. I know this is a bit of an oxymoron in the flat areas of the coastal plain, but If I can plant at the top of a hill, I can provide better frost protection.

This is because cold air is more dense than warm air and, as such, it drifts down an incline leaving the warm air behind. The same can be said around windbreaks or near canals. If I can plant along a canal that does not have a windbreak, I will have better protection against frost. In my landscape, I have full sun and a small ditch along the side yard, this is a good place to plant my peaches.

Peaches need a pH ranging from 6.06.5 to perform their best. I want to take a soil sample well before I plan to plant my trees so that I have time to amend the soil before planting. It can take three to six months for the pH to completely change in the soil profile. When I take these samples, I want to have a sample from the upper 8 inches and a separate

sample from the lower 8 inches. These will be taken from the same place, then separated into two buckets. Keeping the samples separate, I will fill two boxes: one that corresponds to the upper, then one for the lower samples.

I can use a slightly raised planting bed for these trees, as well. I would add any lime that is necessary then use a tiller to mix it into the soil profile. I would then use a rake or box blade to pull the soil up into a raised bed. This allows for surface drainage during larger storm events, so that my peaches aren’t in standing water or saturated soils. I want to plan to plant my trees in mid-November to midDecember for the best results.

Often, nurseries are sold out of trees in the summer, especially if there is a hurricane. Many commercial operations will buy them up to replant anything they lost during large storms. For this reason, it is important to order your trees early and from a reputable nursery.

Always purchase grafted trees! This is important to ensure you are getting a tree that is true to type and, in the instance of peaches, to protect against Peach Tree Short Life. This is a disease complex that begins with nematode damage when the trees are young. Using a rootstock such as Guardian can help protect against this early nematode damage due to its resistance.

One other thing to think about when selecting peach trees is the chilling requirement of the tree. Fruit trees require a certain number of hours to accrue between 35 and 50 degrees, known as chilling hours or requirements. If they do not reach the required number of chilling hours, they will not break dormancy.

Should they reach the required number of chilling hours too quickly, they will break dormancy too soon and be frozen out. In our area, a minimum of 750 chilling hours is recommended. Peach trees will range in chilling hours from 350 up to 1,100. Choosing a mix of chilling hours will typically stagger when your trees will ripen but not always. Peaches are self-fruitful, so you can plant just one and still harvest peaches!

Peaches will require weekly to biweekly insecticide and fungicide treatments to ensure a viable crop. There are several sprays that are made for homeowners that contain both insecticides and fungicides. Look for those that are labeled as fruit-tree sprays. Always read the label to know how to apply the chemicals and protect yourself from harm.

Something else to keep in mind is a competition from lawns. Fruit trees, in general, will be in constant competition for resources with turf or other plants that are located over their roots. It is important to keep vegetation-free zones under fruit trees. This can be done using mulch and hand-weeding or by using herbicides. Paint the bottom 18-to-24 inches of newly planted trees with white latex paint to protect them against herbicide treatments. This will also guard against freeze damage in the winter by reflecting sunlight off the young tree trunk.

THE EDIBLE LANDSCAPE: APPLES Lastly, I know I want to plant apples (Malus domestica). I grew up in western Maryland, a fact I don’t tell too many folks! My family home was surrounded by apple orchards, and I have very fond memories of playing in them and eating from them. Most of all, I loved those fried apples we would have on Sunday mornings. Every year, we would freeze peaches and apples. There would be so many of them, your fingers would be wrinkled from cutting so many. Just like Cracker Barrel, my mother would fry them up into a dish that was almost better than the bacon it was served beside.

Apples, much like peaches, need full sun, well-drained soil, and a pH ranging from 6.0-6.5. I need to sample my soil the same way and amend the soil the same way as for peaches. When I select my trees, I need to pay attention to the

rootstock. In apples, the rootstock determines the size of the tree. Do not purchase an apple tree that is not grafted, or one that does not have the rootstock named on the label. We have many rootstocks to choose from when looking at apples. Look at your space and determine the size of tree that is correct for you. For example, a full-grown tree can be anywhere from 20-to-35 feet high and wide. I do not want to have to climb the tree to harvest it! There are rootstocks that will keep the tree to 6 feet, up to 20 feet. The smaller or dwarfing trees are much easier to maintain (pruning and spraying) and harvest fruit from.

A grafted apple tree will also produce fruit much sooner. A non-grafted tree may take from 12 to 20 years before it will produce fruit. In contrast, a grafted tree (depending upon the rootstock type) will produce fruit in as little as two years.

More often than not, they will begin producing between years three and five.

Always plant your trees with the graft union at least 2-to-3 inches above the soil surface. If the graft union is below the soil surface, the graft will be negated completely.

There are many cultivars to select from that will perform well in our area.

Very few, however, are self-fruitful, so plan on planting at least two apple trees of different cultivars. A few to choose from are “Ginger Gold,” “Gala,” “Jonagold,” “Crispin,” “Golden Delicious,” “Red Delicious,” and “Fuji.” There are multiple others, and the Extension Master Gardener volunteers in Beaufort County maintain a list in their Gardening Guide publication available for purchase at the Beaufort County Center.

Eastern North Carolina is a rough place for apple growing. We have a host of diseases and insects that love our apples almost as much as we do! The worst disease we need to contend with is fire blight. This is a bacterial disease that, if left unchecked, will kill the entire tree. It enters through the blooms in early spring, then infects the branch. If it is not pruned out that winter, it will continue to move down the branch until it clogs up the main vascular system of the tree, resulting in loss of your favorite apple tree. Prune fire blight out during dormant pruning by going two inches into live wood below cankers. It is not necessary to sterilize pruning equipment if pruning during the dormant season.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRUNING Dormant pruning is necessary to produce good fruit on blueberries, peaches and apples. Blueberries are pruned from the bottom up. Beginning at the bottom of the shrub, prune the outer canes to maintain the footprint of the bush. Next prune the inner part of the bush, removing whole canes, to promote airflow within the bush. Now, move up the bush and remove any dead, diseased, damaged or crossing canes or branches. Blueberry pruning is best done in late January.

January is a good time to prune your apples, as well. Apples are pruned to a central leader system somewhat resembling a Christmas tree shape. Trees are trained to have branches in whorls, called scaffolds, every 18-to-24 inches.

This allows light penetration to the buds and fruit. The trees must have light to produce flower buds and, consequently, next year’s fruit. Dwarf trees are much easier to prune and train. Training begins when trees are young to provide good shape and strong scaffold branches.

Branches are much stronger with 60-to90-degree branch angles coming from the main trunk.

Our peaches are a little different in that they bear fruit along the branches.

For this reason, they are trained to an open-center system. This results in a vase-like shape that allows light penetration to reach all along the branches.

Training is done to encourage four main lateral branches with the central leader being cut out at planting. Dormant pruning is done in early-to-mid February to promote lateral, outward growth.

In all of our pruning, we want to thin out branches to promote good air movement within the tree. Take out anything growing straight up that will shade out and anything that is growing straight down that will be shaded. Always prune out any dead, diseased or damaged branches and anything that is crossing over another branch.

THE BEST PLANTING ADVICE The biggest takeaway is to do your homework to find the “Right plant for the right place.” This will ensure your success! If you would like more information about anything mentioned in this column, or other types of edible plants, please contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and speak to the horticulture agent.

Gene Fox is the area consumer horticulture agent serving Hyde, Beaufort, Tyrrell and Washington counties. He can be contacted at the Beaufort County Extension Center at 252-946-0111.

4C• Saturday, October 24 – Sunday October 25, 2020 www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

Fall is for vegetables and casseroles

W

arm, hearty and nutritious, vegetable casseroles are a wonderful way to use your autumn garden or Farmers Market fresh load. For most of these recipes, you can substitute whatever fall vegetables you have on hand, and you can always try it with shrimp or chicken. As you warm up your oven and hang out in your cozy kitchen, consider making two of our favorite healthy snacks for LOUISE L. your friends and family to nibble on beHINSLEY tween meals or while watching their favorite football game this fall. Remember, we all need to eat healthy and preparing and eating food at home has numerous rewards!

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, four to five minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board and let stand five minutes. Cut into 1-inch strips.

Add poblanos, shallots and garlic to the pan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are lightly browned, about two minutes. Add broth, quinoa, wine, salt, cumin, cinnamon and cayenne.

Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the sweet potatoes and chicken.

Spoon the mixture into a 7-by-11-inch (or similar size) broiler-proof baking dish. Cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove from oven; increase oven temperature to broil.

Uncover the casserole and sprinkle with cheese. Broil eight inches from the heat source until golden brown, about five minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro. Let cool for five minutes before serving.

Serves 8. Each serving contains: 349 calories; 11g fat; 5g fiber; 39g carbohydrates; 23g protein; 83mg cholesterol; 432mg sodium.

FOUR GREAT CASSEROLES

Mixed Fall Vegetable Casserole (This one looks just like a Thanksgiving table)

Ingredients; 2 shallots, thinly sliced; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 cup celery, diced (around five stalks); 1 Gala apple, cubed; 1/3 cup dried cranberries; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped; salt and black pepper, to taste; 4 cups butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 16 ounces Brussels sprouts, cut in half; 1/2 cup pecans, chopped; 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth.

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Add 1/3 cup of vegetable broth to a large pot along with the shallots, onion and celery; cook over medium heat until translucent.

Add the Gala apple, cranberries, rosemary, thyme, salt and black pepper to the pot. Cook for an additional five minutes, until the apples are tender. Add the butternut squash and Brussels sprouts to the pot and mix well Place a thin layer of vegetable broth in the base of a 9-inch by 13-inch casserole dish, then add in the vegetable medley from the pot. Pour the remaining vegetable broth on top of the vegetables, then sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the mixture.

Bake at 375 for 45 minutes; if you’d like your vegetables to be more crispy (I like mine a little more crispy) on the top layer, you can broil them on high for five or so minutes afterward. Serve warm, and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to one week.

Fast and Easy Fall Vegetable Casserole Ingredients: 1 large onion, diced; 3 cups mixed fall vegetables cut into bite-size pieces (carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup low-fat plain yogurt; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated; 1 cup Panko (Japanese breadcrumbs).

Directions: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and vegetables in oil for 15-20 minutes.

Place cooked vegetables in a colander to drain excess

moisture and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, salt, pepper, garlic powder and cheddar cheese and fold together. Fold in vegetables.

Pour into casserole dish and cover with breadcrumbs, press down on top of casserole to even out.

Bake for 25-35 minutes.

Chicken, Quinoa and Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients; 4 cups sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and cubed; 3 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon canola oil; 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders; 2 cups chopped seeded poblano chiles or 1 (16-ounce) can of chipotle chili peppers; 1/2 cup shallots, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 2 cups unsalted chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups quinoa; 1/3 cup white wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro.

Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place sweet potatoes and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap; pierce a few holes in the top with a fork. Microwave on high for four minutes.

Baked Onion Casserole Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 cups onion (about three large), vertically sliced; 4 cups leek, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup dry white wine or white wine vinegar; 2 cups 1% low-fat milk; 6 tablespoons flour; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; cooking spray; 1/3 cup whole wheat Panko.

Directions: Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add butter and oil; cook one minute or until butter is foamy.

Add onion, leek and thyme; cook five minutes, stirring frequently. Sprinkle with salt; cover, reduce heat to mediumlow and cook 15 minutes or until onions are translucent, stirring occasionally (do not allow onion to brown). Add wine; bring to a boil. Cook five minutes or until liquid almost evaporates. Combine milk and flour in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add flour mixture, pepper and nutmeg to pan; return to a boil. Simmer five minutes or until mixture thickens.

Spoon onion mixture into a 2-quart glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes or until bubbly and top is golden brown. Let stand for five minutes before serving.

Serves 8. Each serving contains: 156 calories; 4g fat; 5g protein; 25g carbohydrates; 3g fiber; 7mg cholesterol; 224mg sodium.

Sources for this article N.C. Cooperative Extension Food and Nutrition program. For more information about the Foods and Nutrition, contact Louise L. Hinsley at 252-946-0111.

Louise L. Hinsley is the family consumer science extension agent at the Beaufort County center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, located at 155 Airport Road, Washington.

www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

Saturday, October 24 – Sunday October 25, 2020 • 5C

GARDENING CALENDARS OCTOBER Lawn Care XX Tall fescue lawns can be seeded out this month. Mulch seeded areas with wheat or barley straw.

XX Be sure to water newly seeded areas.

XX There is no need to fertilize warm season grasses like centipede and zoysia.

XX Keep tree leaves from collecting on your lawn.

XX Pre-emergents herbicides can be applied to prevent winter annuals Fertilizing XX Fertilize spring flowering bulbs at planting with a balanced fertilizer.

XX Store fertilizer in a dry location so it can be used next spring.

Planting XX If you don’t use your garden through the fall and winter months, consider planting a cover crop like annual rye, barley, or wheat.

XX Plant spring flowering bulbs like daffodil, tulip, crocus and hyacinth.

XX Now is a good time to set out or transplant landscape plants. Be sure to “open up” the root balls on container plants.

XX Plant or transplant peonies this month.

XX Pansies can also be set out this month to add color to the landscape.

LAWN CARE Keep tree leaves from collecting on your lawn.

Pruning XX Cut back herbaceous perennials if an early frost kills the tops.

XX Any dead or diseased wood can be pruned out anytime of the year.

XX Weeds or unnecessary trees should be removed from the landscape.

XX Root-prune any plants you plan to move next spring.

Spraying XX Poa annua, henbit and other winter annuals can be controlled with the same preemergent herbicides used to control crabgrass.

XX Control the following woody weeds by spraying the recommended herbicide: trumpet creeper and blackberry.

XX Insects and diseases can be more severe in the autumn, keep a close eye on your fall vegetables.

XX Store pesticides in a secured, dry location that will not freeze.

XX (Pesticides should be used sparingly! Use only when needed and always follow the label) Other Activities XX Prepare houseplants to reenter your home. Check them carefully for insects.

XX Clean up and put away unused gardening equipment so it will be ready for the spring.

XX Take soil samples of your lawn and garden.

XX Prepare bird feeders.

XX Dig and store summer bulbs like gladioli, dahlia and caladium before frost.

XX Dig sweet potatoes this month before frost kills the plants.

XX Start putting the leaves from your yard into a compost bin or use them as mulch in your garden.

PLANTING Pansies can also be set out this month to add color to the landscape.

OTHER ACTIVITIES Prepare bird feeders.

6C• Saturday, October 24 – Sunday October 25, 2020 www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

GARDENING CALENDARS NOVEMBER November is the last month to get free soil samples until next April.

Lawn Care XX Maintain cool season grasses by mow as needed.

XX Keep tree leaves from collecting on your lawn.

XX Control fire ants with either a bait or contact.

Fertilizing XX Spread ashes from the fireplace around gardens and bulb bed where soil pH is below 6.0. Avoid acid-loving plants.

Planting XX Plant 1-year-old asparagus crowns in the vegetable garden this month.

XX If you don’t use your garden through the fall and winter months, consider planting a cover crop like annual rye, barley or wheat.

XX Now is a good time to set out or transplant landscape plants. Be sure to “open up” the root balls on container plants.

Pruning XX The foliage from existing asparagus

can be cut down the ground after the first killing frost. Cut back herbaceous perennials after the frost kills the tops.

XX Any dead or diseased wood can be pruned out anytime of the year.

XX Weeds or unnecessary trees should be removed from the landscape.

XX Rootprune any plants you plan to move next spring.

Spraying XX None Other Activities XX Take soil samples from your vegetable garden if you haven’t already done so.

XX If you have received your soil recommendations, apply lime as suggested. Don’t apply fertilizer until spring.

XX Order fruit trees and grape vines now if you wish to plant them in February and March.

XX Prepare bird feeders.

XX Don’t forget to water evergreens trees and shrubs thoroughly before winter.

XX Continue putting the leaves from your yard into a compost bin.

XX Poinsettias should be placed in the sunniest room in the house.

OTHER ACTIVITIES Continue putting the leaves from your yard into a compost bin.

PRUNING Cut back herbaceous perennials after the frost kills the tops.

DECEMBER Lawn Care XX Maintain cool season grasses by mowing as needed.

XX Keep tree leaves from collecting on your lawn.

Fertilizing XX Spread ashes from the fireplace around gardens and bulb beds where soil pH is below 6.0. Avoid acid-loving plants. (3 pounds of ash = 1 pound of limestone) XX Now is the time to put out limestone if needed (it takes about three months for lime to change the soil’s pH) XX Fertilize houseplants as needed.

Planting XX Now is a good time to set out or transplant landscape plants if the ground isn’t frozen. Be sure to “open up” the root balls on container plants.

Pruning XX Prune berry-producing plants, if berries are desired in table arrangements over the holidays.

XX Cut back herbaceous perennials

after the frost kills the tops.

XX Any dead or diseased wood can be pruned out anytime of the year.

XX Weeds or unnecessary trees should be removed from the landscape.

Spraying XX None Other Activities XX Keep your Christmas tree in water and away from heat sources.

XX Poinsettias should be placed in the sunniest room in the house.

XX If you have received your soil recommendations, apply lime as suggested. Don’t apply fertilizer until spring.

XX Order fruit trees and grape vines now if you wish to plant them in February and March.

XX Cover strawberries with pine straw or wheat barley to protect them from the cold.

XX Continue putting the leaves from your yard into a compost bin.

XX If you cover your shrubs, be cautious and use only burlap or white plastic.