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November 15, 2000

A Great Garden Gathering...
What a pleasure it was to meet so many Savvygardeners at the Sweet Onion Garden Party last Friday evening!  I was so pleased with the number of subscribers who braved the frigid temperatures to mingle with other gardeners.  I must say that Andrea Neumann and her staff really outdid themselves. The Sweet Onion was transformed into an enchanted garden.  Candles illuminated the nursery making it picturesque and tables normally displaying The Sweet Onion's wares were filled with savory edibles.  Who could ask for more - great food, a whimsical place and delightful conversations.  I'm sure that everyone who attended would agree with me! 

A function like this is great for getting a feel for what our readers really like.  We heard time and again how everyone really enjoys the quote at the end of our newsletter.  I was thrilled to hear this of course because I also love that part.  I find quotes to be very inspiring and I enjoy looking for new ones that will help us through our gardening woes.  Thanks for all of the positive feedback and if you ever have any ideas about how we can improve what we are doing please let us know

Brrr! Enough said!  Try to keep warm and if you did not get a chance to plant bulbs (like me) don't get discouraged.  Hopefully in the near future we'll receive a warm up that will allow us to finish our November to-do list.  Although from the looks of the weather map we may have to keep our fingers crossed with gloves on!

~ Shelly  

Cutting And Mulching...
Now that we've had an extended run of killing frosts it's time to cut back dormant perennials to about three inches above ground.  Apply four to six inches of mulch on your perennial beds after the soil has frozen.  Mulch is important not only to protect your perennials from cold, but also from warmer fluctuating temperatures.  In years of little or no snow cover bare soil may thaw during warm winter weather leading to premature growth of some plants or soil heaving, which damages plants.  Mulch protects the "crowns" or growing points of the plants and keeps the soil frozen all winter.  Good mulching will ensure a successful show of plant foliage and color next season.

Amaryllis Advice...
Growing amaryllis bulbs this winter?  They may not bloom if they are in too large a pot.  These guys like close quarters.  There should be no more than one inch of space on each side of the bulb and at least one third of the bulb should be above the soil line.

African Violets, American Favorites...
Among houseplants African violets are a favorite of many gardeners.  If you want to grow some this winter remember these tips:

  • They do best when planted in rather small pots.  A good general rule is to use a pot one-third the diameter of the plant.  
  • To humidify African violets, surround the pot with moist peat contained in a second pot.  
  • When buying new plants, avoid those with any signs of yellowing leaves. 
  • African violets require a day temperature of 70F and a night temperature of 65F. They may die if the air temperature dips below 55F. 
  • African violets do well under fluorescent lights 12 to 14 hours a day; lights should be 8 to 12 inches from the plant.

Dig This...
If you are planning on having a live, balled and burlapped Christmas tree this year you will want to dig a planting hole soon before the ground freezes for the winter.  Last week's cold snap may have frozen your soil but it should thaw again before winter really sets in.  Once your hole is dug fill it with straw or hay to keep it from freezing.  Store the soil in a garage or shed so you will have something to work with when you need it for planting the tree.

Moving Mums...
This fall I really bought a lot of potted mums.  They dressed up the deck and front porch so nicely.  Many gardeners (myself included) choose to transplant their potted mums into the garden.  Well, now is the time.  For best results follow these important tips:

  • Transplant mums into well-drained soil.  Winter injury is most common when mums are planted in poorly-drained soils. 
  • Before planting, make sure there is an adequate amount of organic matter incorporated into the area.  Potted mums are often grown in a mix that is very high in organic matter. If these are planted in very heavy clay soil without first amending it, the difference between the two soil situations often prevents good root establishment and increases the chance of winter kill.  
  • After leaves have turned brown, cut back the tops and apply six inches of loose mulch.  The purpose of this mulch is to provide wind protection and keep the soil shaded and frozen so that frost heaving is minimized.  Protective mulch may be removed or pulled away from the crown by early to mid-April after danger of severe cold is past.  

Source

What's Hot On the Hotline...
At the Hotline we are frequently asked about what gardeners should do to prepare for winter.  With temperatures heading steadily downward, the question seems particularly timely.  In short, do it now, while you can still work in comfort outdoors!  Find out more in this week's Hotline...

Look Sharp, Be Sharp...
Most of your gardening tools will be more effective and look a lot nicer if they are well maintained.  Sharpening the cutting edges of shovels, spades, hoes and other tools is a great way to really make gardening a lot easier.  Technique is very important however.  Sharpening tools on a power grinder may be easy but the heat produced can cause the edge to lose its tempering and make the metal prone to breaking.  To really make your tools last longer learn the age-old art of blade sharpening this winter.  Follow this link for an informative "how to" article on sharpening garden tools.

Finally...
"November comes 
And November goes, 
With the last red berries 
And the first white snows. 

With night coming early, 
And dawn coming late, 
And ice in the bucket 
And frost by the gate. 

The fires burn 
And the kettles sing, 
And earth sinks to rest 
Until next spring."

~ Clyde Watson, Children's Book Author

 

 

 

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