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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:

  1. 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.
     
  2. 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.

 


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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

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