What to do in November

·        Start planting trees and shrubs now; however, you may want to wait until we start seeing some consistent rain.  Otherwise, you will need to consistently water what you have planted.

·        Roses can be cut back to about four feet high if they are extremely tall (prevents wind pulling out roots).  Do not cut them back severely until late February.  Mulch around your roses after the second hard freeze. More about this next month.

·        Mulch all trees and shrubs, but do not pile the mulch next to trunk or stems. Apply a three inch layer of pine needles, hardwood or pine mulch.  The mulch will conserve moisture and will eventually add organic matter to soil.

·        Do not prune any spring flowering shrubs or trees, because you will cut off their already formed flower buds. 

·        You still have time to plant pansies.   Apply 10-10-10 or some type of slow release fertilizer that contains some of the Nitrate form of fertilizer (read the label.)  Pansies need full sun in the winter to do well.  Try violas (Johnny Jump-ups) if you have less sun.

·        Now is the best time to plant fall flower bulbs: daffodils, tulips, Hyacinths, etc.  Use bone meal or Bulb-tone in the bottom of the planting holes.

·        Lawns – apply a pre-emergent weed control if you have experienced heavy infestations of winter weeds (chickweed, Annual Bluegrass.) Do not use on lawns if you plan on reseeding.