|
November 3, 2004 |
|
Gettin' Chilly...
The thermometer reads 48°
but those northeasterly winds sure make it feel much colder. Sam
Parker and I went for a walk earlier this morning and I decided
it would be best to put on my winter coat. For those of you who
have been subscribers for some time know that winter is not
my favorite season. Bear with me while
I try to remember
some good things about winter. The bad things
however never seem to escape my memory. There
are the cold temperatures; gray,
cloudy skies; and then there's snow.
On a more positive note... A hard freeze cuts down on the bug
population and also gives perennials a chance to sleep and
rejuvenate for growth during next spring and summer. Without that
hard freeze the bugs would continue to multiply and our plants
would continue to bloom without any rest. So from a gardener's
prospective maybe winter isn't such a bad season after all.
For those
of you who haven't planted your bulbs yet,
don't panic. I haven't planted mine yet either.
You can plant them until the ground freezes.
It's always hard to guess when the ground will freeze but it can
certainly happen in November.
Seize the opportunity
if it arises in the next week or two
and get those bulbs
in the ground. (Note to self: That
means you too, Shelly!)
We survived
a very wet and drippy Halloween
(photos).
The weather wasn't about to dampen the kids'
Halloween spirit. The boys spent time with their friends and
trick-or-treated in four different neighborhoods. Tons of candy
was eagerly collected and the boys have
counted it, traded it and piled it up high in three large bowls.
If you see me next spring and notice a bit of a weight gain
you'll know that I have been drowning my winter sorrows in a big
bowl of Halloween candy.
~
Shelly
Feeling Itchy?...
According to
K-State
Research & Extension, those "straw itch mites" that have been
driving us crazy are more likely to be in and around oak leaves.
Apparently the mites are feeding on midge larvae in oak trees.
If you are working around, raking up, or playing in oak leaves
you may well find yourself feeling a bit itchy the next day.
Using a DEET-based repellent may offer some protection from the
mites. Showering immediately after contact with leaves
should also help.
Late Season Seeding...
Last week we talked about the fact that it's too late to put
down grass seed. If you didn't get seed down but need new grass
you currently have two options:
-
Dormant seeding
can be successful in areas not susceptible to erosion. Anytime
after Thanksgiving and through March you can lay grass seed
with the expectation that it will germinate and grow when
spring arrives. Wintertime precipitation coupled with the
soil's freeze/thaw cycles will aid in proper setting of seeds.
-
Sod can be used successfully during
almost any time of the year that the ground isn't frozen. The
trick is getting it established. The secret is water.
-
Keep it soaked the first week. It should
be so wet that you cannot walk on it.
-
Keep it wet the
second week. It should be very squishy under foot.
-
Keep it moist the
third week. Water lightly every day.
-
Make sure it gets
about an inch of water per week thereafter until it's
established.
Long Live Geraniums...
If you want to keep your garden geraniums
over the winter you would do well to treat them as houseplants.
Before they get damaged by frost cut them back to about half
their original size. Using only the healthy, insect-free plants
individually pot them up using dry potting soil. Water them
thoroughly and as needed to keep them somewhat moist (not wet)
through winter. Pinch back the tips of shoots once or twice to
promote branching and prevent weak growth.
Christmas Tree B & B...
It may seem a little early to be thinking about Christmas
trees but if you are considering a live, balled & burlapped tree
that will be planted after the holiday you should start planning
now. It's time now to choose the planting spot and, more
importantly, dig the hole for it. If you wait too long the
ground may be frozen by the time you think about it again.
After you
dig the hole (preferably twice as wide as the
tree's root ball) fill it with leaves or straw to protect
against any early freezing.
You might also cover it with plywood if
the hole presents an injury or accident risk. Keep the dirt from
the hole in a garage or shed so you have some loose soil to use
during planting.
Time For Trees...
And speaking of trees.. now is a great
time to plant one (or more). While the visible part of the tree
will be dormant, the roots will remain active and growing through
the winter. This assures that the tree will be well established
and ready for spring and summer next year. Need help?
Just read our newest feature article,
Planting Trees...
What's Hot
On The Hotline...
Calls to the hotline include many
gardeners looking for advice on bulb planting. There is
still time to plant bulbs for next spring as long as the soil can
be worked. Great suggestions on different
bulbs and how to care for them are in this week's
What's Hot On the Hotline...
Fertilizer Finale...
A November application of fertilizer is extremely important
to keep your lawn healthy and looking good this fall and next
year. Late fall Nitrogen promotes good root development,
enhances storage of energy reserves, and extends color retention
this fall. Most of the benefits from late fall Nitrogen will be
seen next spring and summer with earlier green-up, improved
density, and improved tolerance to diseases and other stresses.
Apply near or after your last mowing of the year, but while grass
is still green. Timing is not overly critical as there may be a
month or more between your last mowing and the time the grass
turns brown or goes under snow cover. Generally
Thanksgiving is a good target fertilzing date
but because it's so late this year we'll shoot for any time in
the first few weeks of November. Use
a soluble Nitrogen source such as urea, ammonium nitrate, or
ammonium sulfate and apply 1 to 1½ lbs. N/1000 sq. ft.
Finally... "A person who works
with their hands is a laborer; a person who works with their
hands and their brain is a craftsman; but a person who works with
their hands and their brain and their heart is an artist." ~
Louis Nizer |