November Tips 2006
by Thea Fiskin, UC Master Gardener

Autumn is here but what little rain we've gotten hasn't been enough to turn off the sprinklers yet, so continue watering till we get a really good soaking. Our first frost usually arrives the middle of November so now is the time to prepare. Bring frost tender plants inside or under the patio for protection. Some plants that are in the ground will require protection too. Wrap trunks of young palms and citrus with blankets, burlap or heavy paper. If you use plastic create a tent over the plant without touching it and open it on sunny days so the plant doesn't cook. Some people string Christmas lights or place buckets of warm water under their plants on especially cold nights as added protection.

GARDEN CHORES
Don't waste fallen leaves by throwing them away instead rake into piles, then run over them with the lawn mower to chop, reduce volume, and gather them in the mower's bag. Afterwards add to the compost pile, bury in the veggie garden, spread in flower beds, or store in dark garbage bags. Leaves break down in no time to make a wonderful amendment that enriches garden soil.

Landscape trees - Prune deciduous and evergreen trees with dense canopies, like the California Pepper, before any more winter storms arrive. Selectively remove entire branches to allow airflow through the tree canopy and prevent wind from blowing over top heavy trees. PLEASE DON'T stub branches back so trees end up looking like hat racks! Large trees should be pruned by a certified arborist.

Houseplants - As we turn on the heaters our houseplants will be gasping for the humidity they need, so treat them to a humidity tray. Line the tray under the plant with pebbles and add water to just below the surface of the rocks. Never let plants sit directly in water or they will rot. Some plants also benefit from misting including dracaena, ferns and schefflera. Do not mist cacti, succulents or any hairy leaved plants like African violets.

Weed prevention - Winter weeds are popping up now; remove them while young before new seeds form. Spraying isn't always necessary; a hula hoe works great and helps work off all those holiday goodies. If weeds are a big problem in large flowerbeds or lawns, then apply a preemergence herbicide to prevent annual weed germination. Discourage weeds by mulching flowerbeds, shrubs and trees with a thick layer of leaves or other organic topper. If using preemergence herbicides, spray first then add a layer of mulch.

Critter control - Now that nights are cooler slugs and snails are lurking about. Hand-pick or use snail bait to control. If you've got pets or kids use iron phosphate baits instead of the poisonous metaldehyde baits. Iron phosphate breaks down into fertilizer and can be used on any ornamental or vegetable plant right up to picking.

Dormant sprays - If peach or nectarine trees had curled or puckered leaves this summer, then take preventative measures now against the fungal disease called "peach leaf curl" for next spring. Rake leaves when they fall, remove any fruit mummies, and discard both rather than put them in the compost pile. Spray trunk, branches and ground underneath tree with a copper-based fungicide or a Bordeaux mixture (slurry made of hydrated lime and copper sulfate) or a synthetic fungicide.

WHAT TO PLANT
Add winter interest to your garden with plants that produce berries. One plant may be all that is needed to spark interest in a dreary corner. Try cotoneaster, holly, pyracantha, or toyon.

Winter color - Plant calendulas, delphinium, dianthus, foxgloves, Iceland poppies, Johnny-jump-up, ornamental kale, paludosum daisy, pansies, primroses, snapdragons and stock. Or spread wildflower seeds, like bachelor buttons, California poppies, clarkia, gypsophila, and larkspur.

Bulbs - Now that the temperature has dropped its time to plant bulbs, try anemones, daffodils, hyacinths, scilla and tulips. Garden stores have good supplies and many bulb companies on the internet have great specials on their leftovers.

Vegetables - Winter transplants available in nurseries are artichokes, bok-choi, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce and Swiss chard. Sow seed of beets, carrots, lettuce, peas and radishes.

Now is a good time to get individual attention on garden questions from your local nursery, since this is their slow season . Or better yet give the Master Gardeners a call or email us at our website. Happy Thanksgiving.