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November 21, 2001

Thanks For Everything...
I think the normal November weather has arrived.  It was quite chilly Tuesday morning while out walking Sam Parker.  Jack Frost left his mark on the grass and the remainder of the leaves lying about the yard.  I must admit it was pretty and fun to walk along hearing the crunch beneath my feet.  As long as the days warm up, I will be fine with this colder weather.  It is when the temperatures hover in the 20's and 30's that I begin to feel a winter panic set in.  Cold weather tends to make me a little irritable.  I would rather be outside working in the garden, playing with the kids or better yet lazily sitting around on the deck reading a good gardening magazine or book.  Now don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the change of the seasons as well as a good occasional snow for sledding.  December is a breeze to survive because there is always so much going on.  January and February however are a different story.  Survival for me during those two months is not easy.  For now I will hope for the best and keep my fingers crossed that perhaps we will have a mild winter -  unlike the one we had last year.

I hope that you have all marked your calendars for this coming Saturday November 24th.  Kevin and I are going to be at The Sweet Onion picking out our Christmas tree and helping you select yours.  We will be there from 10AM 'til 2PM and look forward to seeing lots of Savvygardeners!  Don't forget, if you are not a real tree enthusiast don't worry.  There is plenty of other goodies to choose from.  Poinsettias, garland of all different varieties, beautiful wreaths already decorated or ready for decorating and other assorted gift ideas.  Sounds like great fun so get there early before Kevin and I have grab the very best tree for ourselves!

It is this time of the year that we all reflect on everything we are thankful for.  I am most thankful for my family and our well being.  I am also thankful for all of you Savvygardeners.  Without you this newsletter would not be possible and not nearly as much fun to write.  (It would seem kind of silly to write this every week for just Kevin, myself and our extended family who are forced to subscribe.)  A big thanks goes out to our sponsors.  They have believed in us and I am thankful for their support.

If you are traveling over this holiday weekend, travel safely.  Happy Thanksgiving!

~ Shelly  

Rethinking Our Mild Fall...
From a selfish standpoint the unseasonably mild temperatures we've had this fall we're great.  Unfortunately the recent temperatures have been so mild that our plants have not hardened as much as they normally would.  You see, in the fall plants go through a process of cold hardening whereby they become acclimated to low temperatures.  This acclimation is in response to cooler temperatures and shorter days.  When temperatures drop gradually, plants become progressively more acclimated to cold.  A well-acclimated plant can survive much lower temperatures than one that has not had the opportunity to become used to the cold weather.   Likewise, when temperatures drop very quickly damage to plants can occur.

Unfortunately there is not a lot that can be done to provide extra protection for trees and most shrubs (other than making sure the soil under them is moist) but we may be able to help herbaceous perennials.  Herbaceous perennials would not only include our perennial flowering plants that die to the ground each year but also other plants such as strawberries.  As long as the weather remains mild or temperatures drop gradually, keep the plants uncovered to allow them to acclimate.  However, if there is a sharp drop in temperature (to mid-teens or lower), throw mulch or some other covering over them to help moderate temperatures.  Uncover them again as temperatures rise to allow the plants to continue the acclimation process.  Ultimately strawberries will need a permanent mulch through the winter months to help protect them from desiccation and heaving caused by freezing and thawing of the soil.  This is best done when temperatures have been cold enough to leave some frost in the ground.

Source

Don't Get Hosed...
If you are putting your hoses away for the season take care of how you store them.  Be very careful not to kink the hose.  Any kink becomes a weak point and hoses often crack in these locations.  Do not hang your hose on nails as this promotes kinking and weak spot formation.  Instead store them on reels, hose supports or simply coil them loosely on the floor.  Before storing make sure all the water has been drained out.  Find a dry place for it and your hose will be ready to go when spring returns.

Bunny Love...
During the winter months, rabbits often gnaw on the bark of many woody plants.  Heavy browsing can result in the complete girdling of small trees and small branches clipped off at snow level.  Apple, pear, crabapple and serviceberry are frequent targets of rabbits.  Small trees with smooth, thin bark are the most vulnerable.  Other frequently damaged plants include the winged euonymus or burning bush, Japanese barberry, dogwood, roses and raspberries.

The best way to prevent rabbit damage to young trees is to place a cylinder of hardware cloth (1/4 inch mesh wire fencing) around the tree trunk. The hardware cloth cylinder should stand about 1 to 2 inches from the tree trunk and 20 inches above the ground. The bottom 2 to 3 inches should be buried beneath the soil. Small shrubs, roses and raspberries can be protected with chicken wire fencing.

Houseplant Hints...
The growth of your houseplants will slow as the days get shorter and light intensity is reduced.  This means that they will need less frequent watering and fertilizing through the winter.  Too much of either in the coming months can cause weak growth leading to undue stress next spring.

Well Watered For Winter...
Since our fall rains have been scarce Savvygardeners need to water landscape evergreens thoroughly once every week or so until the ground freezes.  Evergreens continue to lose moisture from their foliage all winter, but once the ground is frozen, they'll be unable to take up enough water to replace it.  Sending them into winter well watered reduces the potential for damaged foliage.  There's more... broadleaved and tender evergreens exposed to drying winds and sun may need to be shaded on the south and southwest sides to reduce moisture loss and foliage injury.

Source

 


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Winter Wisdom...
It's starting to feel more like winter is on its way.  Closing up the lawn and garden for the season is important in that our actions today will greatly impact our landscape next spring.  You'll find some great ideas on readying for winter in this week's Winter Wisdom... 

Power Equipment Protection...
Power equipment, such as lawn mowers, tillers and chippers require additional winter preparations.  As you finish with any of these machines for the season give them some TLC before putting them away.  

  • Wipe collected grease, dirt and plant material from all equipment. 
  • Tighten loose screws and nuts. 
  • Sharpen cutting edges and wipe them with an oily rag.
  • If your equipment has a four-cycle engine, change the oil by following instructions listed in your owner's manual. 
  • Clean the oil and air filter line by starting the engine and letting it run until it stops. 
  • Two-cycle engines, or engines that run with a gas and oil mixture, also should have the oil-gas mixture removed for the winter. Run the engine with the choke open to remove fuel from the lines. 
  • Check the spark plug and replace it if it is worn.
  • Replace other worn or damaged parts as well. 

Also, avoid storing gasoline over the winter.  Old gasoline does not ignite easily, making the machines using it work harder.

Finally...
"Our Father, fill our hearts, we pray,
With gratitude Thanksgiving Day;
For food and raiment Thou dost give,
That we in comfort here may live.
"

~ Luther Cross, Thanksgiving Day

 

 

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