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PLANTING AND SOWING
Plant the spring-flowering bulbs that you ordered in August soon after you receive them. An application of high-quality bulb food at the time of planting will help promote more blooms next spring. Repeat before spring growth begins.
November through February is a good time to plant new trees and shrubs.
FERTILIZING AND PRUNING
Don’t spare the pruning shears when transplanting bare-rooted woody plants. Cut the tops back at least 1/3 to 1/2 inch to compensate for the roots lost when digging the plant.
Prune obviously dead or damaged branches from shade trees now. Waiting until late winter will make them difficult to distinguish.
Fertilize your winter color beds with a balanced, water-soluble plant food each time you water.
THIS AND THAT
Place orders for seeds this month so you will have them available when you are ready to plant. By ordering early, you will be more certain of getting the varieties you want.
Dig and divide spring-flowering perennials.
Run all gasoline-powered engines dry before storing. Have equipment repaired now while repair shops are relatively idle, and shop the pre-winter close-out models for replacement equipment.
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GARDEN WATCH
Protect peach and plum trees from bacterial stem canker and peach leaf curl with a spray application of Bordeaux mixture after all of their leaves have fallen.
Eliminate sources of disease problems next year by removing fallen, mummified fruit from around the base of tree.
Check houseplants for pests (mealy bugs, whiteflies, spider mites, aphids, roaches, ants) before bringing them indoors for the winter. If necessary, spray with an insecticide before bringing them inside. A subsequent application may be necessary to eliminate any newly hatched pests. Follow label directions carefully.
December: Apple Blossom
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Don’t forget tulip and hyacinth bulbs in the refrigerator. They can be planted any time in December, from mid to late month, if they have received 60 or more days of chilling.
Plant berry-producing trees and shrubs to attract birds to your landscape and for winter color. Among your best choices are yaupon hollies, pyracanthas, mahonias, western soapberries and junipers.
FERTILIZING AND PRUNING
Remove mistletoe from trees with a long-handled pole pruner, as there is no effective spray control. Be sure to do this before it produces berries, as birds will spread it by carrying the berries to other branches.
Fertilize recently transplanted trees and shrubs with a high-phosphate root stimulator during their first year in their new home.
Use good pruning practices when selecting Christmas greenery from landscape plants. Don’t destroy the natural form and beauty of the plant.
Plants that produce berries, such as holly and yaupon, may be pruned now while they can be enjoyed as cut material inside the house.
THIS AND THAT
Want to start cuttings of your favorite Christmas cactus? As soon as it has finished blooming, select a cutting with four or five joints, break or cut it off and insert the basal end into a pot of moderately moist soil. Place it on a windowsill or other brightly lit area. The cuttings should be rooted within three to four weeks.
Take advantage of bad weather and holiday time to study seed and nursery catalogs, as well as gardening books.
Disconnect water hoses and lawn sprinklers to protect them from freezing, but keep them handy for use during occasional winter dry spells.
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GARDEN WATCH
Protect tender vegetation from the cold with a lightweight freeze-cloth cover, which are available at most nurseries and home centers.