November is an ideal time to prepare your garden for winter and the coming spring season. Here are some essential tasks to tackle this month:
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Apply Lime: If a soil test recommends raising the soil pH, now is the perfect time to apply lime to your lawn or garden. Fall application gives lime time to break down over the winter, preparing your soil for the next growing season.
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Mulch Berries and Perennials: Apply organic mulch after the first hard frost to insulate your plants from temperature swings. Mulching also smothers winter weeds, increases soil moisture retention, and prevents compaction from rain and foot traffic.
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Clear Spent Plants: Remove old vegetable plants and annuals to decrease the risk of disease in the upcoming season. You can keep disease-free ornamental grasses, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans for winter interest and wildlife support.
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Rake Diseased Leaves and Fruit: Rake and dispose of leaves or fruit that show signs of disease to prevent pathogen buildup. Avoid adding diseased material to compost, as it may harbor fungi that could reappear in spring.
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Manage Lawn Leaves: Rake leaves off your lawn to allow sunlight through or use a mulching mower to break them down. Too many leaves can hinder grass growth and smother your lawn.
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Service the Lawn Mower: Drain old fuel, change the oil, spark plugs, and air filters before storing your mower. Emptying the gas tank prevents condensation issues over winter.
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Water Evergreen Shrubs: Give your broadleaf evergreens a deep watering before the ground freezes. Winter winds and sun can dehydrate plants like rhododendrons, holly, and boxwood, so ensuring they’re well-hydrated reduces desiccation risks.
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Protect Tender Shrubs from Winter Winds: Erect burlap windbreaks around vulnerable evergreens to shield them from drying winds, preventing leaf desiccation and browning.
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Ease Up on Houseplant Care: With cooler temperatures and less light, houseplants grow slowly. Reduce watering and fertilizing until spring when they resume active growth.
With these November tips, you’ll be setting up your garden and landscape for a healthy, vibrant start in spring!
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