Tag: to do list

To Do in January

On By durhammastergardenersIn Gardening calendar

Lawn Care
•    Keep tree leaves from collecting on your lawn.

Fertilizing
•    Spread ashes from the fireplace around gardens and bulb beds where soil pH is below 6.0.  Avoid acid-loving plants.  (3 lbs of ash = 1 lb of limestone)
•    Now is the time to put out limestone if needed (it takes about three months for lime to change the soil’s pH)
•    Fertilize houseplants as needed.

Planting
•    Asparagus crowns can be planted at this time.

Propagation
•    Hardwood cuttings of many landscape plants like forsythia (yellow bells), flowering quince, weigela, crape myrtle, juniper, spirea and hydrangea can be taken this month.

Pruning
•    Prune grape vines
•    Any dead or diseased wood can be pruned out anytime of the year.
•    Weeds or unnecessary trees should be removed from the landscape.

Spraying
•    None

Other Activities
•    Poinsettias should be placed in the sunniest room in the house.
•    If you have received your soil recommendations, apply lime as suggested.  Don’t apply fertilizer until spring.
•    Order fruit trees and grape vines now if you wish to plant them in February and March.
•    Continue putting the leaves from your yard into a compost bin.

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.
  • Remember that peak season soil test fees begin December 1, so get your samples in early this month to avoid the fee.
  • 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.