Gardening Tips

November Gardening Tips

With the holidays fast approaching and plants going dormant the garden may be the last thing on your mind, but there is plenty to do. Raking leaves not least among them. The leaves will start turning this month and it's a great time to pick out Chinese Pistachios, Shumard Red Oaks, and Red Maples to make sure you're getting the fall colors you want in your yard.

Watering

We'll dry out a bit in November. Keep an eye on new plantings this month so that they don't dry out with it. Learn to recognize the symptoms of over or under watering.

Under Watering: Leaves will turn yellow, crunchy, and will fall off of larger plants.

Over Watering: Leaves will turn tannish-brown, pliable, and will cling to larger plants.

Make sure flower beds are draining well and add mulch to any bare spots. Young trees will need to be watered every seven to ten days in well drained soils. Set the hose out at a slow trickle (the size of a finger) for 30 to 45 minutes.

Planning

North Central Texas tends to have mild winters and harsh summers. Plants established now will better handle the summer and drought than those planted in spring. Now is the perfect time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials.

Maintenance

Lawns should go dormant soon. To keep things looking green, overseed with Ryegrass. Perennial Rye will grow slower than Annual Rye and will not have to be mowed as often. Both seeds should be watered lightly for seven to ten days or until the blades appear.

If your trees need to be pruned back heavily, now through February is the best time to do so.

Spring bulbs can be planted now. Refrigerate Tulips and Hyacinths for 6 weeks before planting in early December.

Don't wait for frost to bring in tender tropicals. Wrap up palms before December. Cut banana trees flush to the ground and cover with 6 inches of mulch.

Veggies

You can seed in Mustard, Onion, and Tulip on the 1st, Carrots towards the 10th, Spinach around the 15th, and Radish on the 25th. We may still have Broccoli, Cauliflower, Collards, Green and Red Cabbage, and Swiss Chard available for transplant. Call ahead for availability.