- Deadhead pansies regularly to prevent seed formation and promote flower production. Liquid feed pansies with fish emulsion.
- Cut back perennials unless they have attractive foliage or seed heads for winter interest.
- Cover tender perennials with an extra layer of mulch for the colder months.
- Remove debris to guard against disease and over wintering pests. Add disease free material to compost pile.
- Mow wildflower meadows, leave ornamental grasses standing for winter interest.
- Install netting around shrubs and young trees to protect against animals, especially deer. Deer prefer tasty plants like Azaleas, Yews and Viburnums. Deer repellents can be sprayed as an alternative but must be reapplied regularly and after rain and snow.
- Clear future garden areas, add compost and manure, till and leave rough to allow frost action to kill weed seeds and disease.
- Thoroughly water trees and shrubs before they go dormant.
- Clean and store garden tools. Tools that come in direct contact with soil should be cleaned with a steel brush. Sharpen dull edges with a file and lightly oil both the tool end and wooden handles.
- Paint bright marks on tools to be more easily seen in the garden and prevent loss.
- Wash wheelbarrows and remove rust spots with steel wool. Paint to protect from further damage. Grease wheel axles.
- Turn off outdoor water taps and drain them. Drain hoses, repair leaks, damaged fittings and store loosely coiled hoses, without kinks, in a dry location.
- Enjoy a cleaner and healthier garden throughout the winter. Your annual 1/2” of compost and two inch layer of mulch can be applied now.
Call Designs for Greener Gardens at 410-626-6122 to help you with your November garden needs!
