Month: November 2015

Soil Test Peak Season

On By durhammastergardenersIn Gardening information

Are you planning to have soil testing done this fall? Well, the time is now. The NC Department of Agriculture charges a “peak season” testing fee of $4 per sample from November 25 through March 31, 2016. During the peak season, Master Gardeners will not be collecting samples in the Extension office or collecting payments; you will need to drop your samples and fees at the NCDA Soil Lab at 4300 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh.

NCDA has provided some guidelines for peak season samples:

  • If soil samples are postmarked November 25th but arrive on November 26th, they will still be charged the $4 fee per sample.
  • Samples dropped off at the soil lab in Raleigh must take place during the business hours of 6am to 6pm, Monday through Friday.
  • Payments for soil samples submitted during the peak-season can be made via credit card or with an escrow account. Consult the NCDA Agronomic Division website http://www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/ for information on how to set up an account. Contact number for NCDA is 919-733-2655.

Soil tests will be conducted free of charge from April through November. During that time period, samples can again be dropped at the Extension office for delivery to the soil lab. If you plan to beat the fee this month, please call the Master Gardener office prior to dropping your samples off to make sure that the samples can be delivered to the lab in time.

What To Do In November

On By durhammastergardenersIn Gardening calendar

Planting

  • Trees and shrubs can be transplanted in the autumn.
  • Plant one year old asparagus crowns in the vegetable garden this month.
  • Finish planting spring-flowering bulbs.

Pruning

  • Time to trim existing asparagus foliage. Cut to the ground after the foliage is killed by frost.
  • Cut back and clean up frost-killed perennials.
  • When cutting holiday greener, use sharp pruners to make cuts above a bud or side branch.
  • Prune out older canes on blackberries and raspberries.
  • Do NOT prune shrubs in September, October, or November

Spraying

  • None

Lawn Care

  • Mow your cool season or tall fescue lawn as needed.
  • Keep tree leaves from collecting on your lawn.

Propagation

  • Water your cuttings in the coldframe as needed.
  • You may want to try your hand at air layering on some of your house plants like dieffenbachia or dumb cane.

Specific Chores

  • Soil test results should be back if samples were sent in September or October. Apply the recommended lime to the areas in need of liming. Wait until spring to fertilize.
  • Check with the local Extension office for the recommended fruit varieties for the area.
  • Order fruit trees and grape vines this month for a February or March delivery and planting.
  • Remember to water your evergreen trees and shrubs thoroughly before winter set in, particularly if weather conditions have been dry.
  • Look to see if screens or windbreaks are needed around your home.
  • Continue filling the compost bin with the fallen leaves.
  • Look for yuletide plants as gifts. Remember, some plants like poinsettias should be placed in the sunniest room in the house.
  • Consider giving your family gardener a holiday gift to use in the garden.

From http://catawba.ces.ncsu.edu/Garden%20Calendar%20November/

As the weather cools, prepare to curl up on the couch with a stack of seed and plant catalogs and plan for spring!