Beverley Square West Association

In the Garden Corner, 10-11/09 Vera Julia Gordon

November:  the month of transition, with some bright days but more cloudy ones.  The soil cools and plants are maturing.  The leaves are changing and by the end of the month most trees (except the oaks) will be bare.  It is a good time to check for signs of Asian Long Horned Beetles: half-inch round holes and half-inch round patches of grey or tan egg masses.  Check fallen limbs and with binoculars check the upper branches.

            Chop fallen leaves and use them as mulch – about three inches deep and six inches from the trunks of bushes and trees.  In Spring, work that mulch into the soil.  Decks and patios are clear of plants, and now that they are indoors, keep them watered, for our homes are desert-dry, and monitor for critters.  When you water, carry plant scissors and a bag so you can clear dead leaves and keep your plants tidy.  If you have made cuttings for winter cheer or rooting, check the water and keep it clean.  Turn your indoor plants regularly to encourage even growth.  Keep your holiday cactus in a cool but bright area (one of mine has buds!) but a night be sure your poinsettias have no light and by day are in a sunny window.

            Plant your Spring-blooming bulbs; the depth should be about twice the bulb’s circumference.  Add slow-release fertilizer when you plant, but not bone meal as it can attract squirrels.  If you still have herbs growing outdoors, harvest before the first frost forecast.  Another thing to do then is to turn off the outside water.  Turn it off inside and then open the outside faucet and taps.  If possible, disconnect hoses.  By now you have gathered your tomatoes and the green ones are ripening in sunlight but not on a sunny windowsill.  I have used the newspaper/paper bag/darkness system, but a bowl near a window works best for me: easy to monitor.

            The slogan “Fall is for Planting” applies to perennials and bushes if you get them in before the ground freezes.  Water in well.  If you are considering planting in your street strip (if you have one) think of plants as you peruse your catalogs.  Pick those that will be low-growing, drought tolerant and that will also have winter interest.  If you plant annuals, you will have bare ground in winter – not a good idea.  Watch the weather.  As it permits, weed, clear out dead foliage, pull up spent annuals.  Cut evergreen branches to stick in porch planters; do not expect them to root.  If you want garden-related holiday gifts, drop hints now so shopping can be done.  Enjoy your late autumn garden.  Cut some branches for indoor cheer, but leave some berries for migrating birds.