Region's First Frost --
Depending on your elevation and your position in relationship to
any mountain ranges, your region's first frost may arrive this
month. Stay tuned to television and news reports to find out
exactly when, or check with your local nursery for your area's
average first frost date.
- If desired, cut back perennials felled by frost to just a
few inches. As long as the leaves aren't diseased, pitch them
in the compost heap. Then mow over the perennials with a few
inches of lightweight mulch, such as chopped leaves or pine
needles. However, there are two camps on this. Some feel that
perennials, especially fuchsias, overwinter better with more
foliage attached and look more interesting besides.
- Pull out annuals that are diseased or damaged by frost and
pitch them as well. This includes annuals in the vegetable
garden, such as tomatoes and peppers. It's especially
important to clean up the vegetable garden since old produce
and foliage can attract and harbor pests and diseases that
will plague you next year.
- After the last mowing of the season, take in your mower to
be serviced and have the blade sharpened so it's ready to go
for spring. Winterize all summer power equipment by allowing
it to run until the gasoline runs out.
- Wrap the trunks of new trees, especially fruit trees, to
prevent rodent damage and sun scald.
Leaf Disposal -- Keep up with leaf raking.
- Plant garlic cloves this month.
Perfect Bulb Planting -- You can still plant
spring-blooming bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths,
this month as long as the ground hasn't frozen.
Putting Your Garden to Bed -- Prepare your roses for
winter. For most, this means mounding several inches of soil
around the base. Cut back hybrid teas and other roses to prevent
their canes from whipping in the wind.
- Bury potted plants up to their rims to prevent the roots
from freezing.
- Drain irrigation systems as needed. Also, unscrew hoses from
hydrants or they might burst a pipe when the water freezes.
Drain the hose and store in a covered place.
Fall Tool Care -- After you're done with your hand
tools, clean and oil them for winter storage.
- If you haven't already, cover your compost pile with a tarp.
Too much water will slow the decomposition process. During the
rainy season, just remove it periodically to allow the pile to
moisten. Then replace the tarp again.
- If the fall is dry, water newly-planted trees and shrubs.
- Keep your houseplants happy by supplying ample humidity,
even with the furnace going. Place in trays of pebbles with a
little water or better yet, install a humidifier for your
furnace -- helpful for people and plants alike.
|
