October/November Gardening Tips

It is time to finish up planting any perennials for the fall.  Planting late into November may result in plants "heaving" from freezing and thawing during the winter months.  Late plantings, after early November should be well mulched to help prevent heaving.

Spring blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths can be planted until the ground freezes.  Plant them deep to provide later blooming flowers that will avoid early freezes in the spring.  Deeper plantings are less likely to be injured by your spade or trowel when planting annuals and perennials.

Feed your lawn in November for the last time this year.  This will help maintain good color during the winter and assure an early green-up in the Spring.

If you are looking for something to do that will pay back big dividends.......service your equipment for next year now while the weather is moderate.  Service your lawn mower- change the oil, clean air filter, sharpen the blades and oil the throttle cable and wheels.  Remember to run the gas tank dry the last time you mow, remove the spark plug and squirt some oil into the cylinder, turn the engine over a few times and replace the spark plug.  Oil in the cylinder will prevent any rust from forming and provide a good “lube” in the spring with the first start.

Hand tools should be cleaned and oiled to prevent rust.  Sharpen your pruning shears.

Want to "rebloom" your Poinsettia from last year?  Click here for information