Have a fun November! It is true that most of the tender annuals are gone and some of the tender perennials are showing signs of cold damage. But even after the fun side of gardening has passed, there is still work to be done in the garden.
November’s chores are divided into four categories. They all start with “p”. Pruning (organizing), protecting, propagating (and planting), and planning.
The featured image above is from Expert Advice: 9 Tips for a Moody Winter Garden by Frank Heijligers.
Pruning (and care)
Once a tree or shrub has shed its leaves and gone dormant, remove diseased or damaged branches (for trees, you should consider hiring an arborist) and assess its structure. However, make sure the plant is not among the plants that should not be pruned until it blooms in the spring. (See “Your First Garden: What You Need to Know Before Pruning Shrubs and Trees.”) Other plants that should be cut back include certain berries (pruning old canes can help reduce the growth of next year’s plants). (helps rejuvenate) and annuals. Cut to the soil line, allowing the rotting roots to enrich the soil. However, don’t get too hung up on organization. Also consider leaving dead and brown perennials for overwintering insects and birds. And the mulched leaves should be left alone Beds that return nutrients to the soil, retain moisture, and provide cover for beneficial insects. (For more on this topic, see Fall Gardening: 15 Ideas for What to Do with Leaves.)
protection
