November tips

Tips for November

TREES & SHURBS

Planting:

Fall is probably the best season for planting trees and shrubs. A long fall season give roots time to establish themselves before the really cold weather arrives. Transplant shock is reduced for trees and shrubs planted in the fall, and these plants will have a considerable head start over the same varieties planted the following spring. MASTER NURSEY ROOTMASTER helps in getting plants off to a strong start. It also aids in early root formation, stronger root development, and promotes a greener, more vigorous plant.

Fertilizing:

Trees and shrubs benefit from a fall feeding. The roots of these plants continue to grow and absorb nutrients after above-ground portions are dormant. As a rough guide for trees and shrubs, apply 1-2 lb. of fertilizer with a 10-6-4 formula for each inch of the trunk's diameter.

ROSES

Fertilizing:

You should stop applying fertilizers that contain nitrogen six weeks before the anticipated first frost, and apply instead a fertilizer containing only phosphorus and potassium to strengthen the plant for the winter.

Winter Cleanup:

There will be fewer insects and disease organisms when the new leaves unfurl in the spring if you clean up all debris from the beds when the roses are dormant. To keep rust and black spot from carrying over year to year, strip all leaves from the bushes. Rake up any leaves that have fallen, and burn them or dump them in the garbage can.

FLOWERS

Continue to pull frost-killed plants and clean up debris. Thickly mulch beds when ground freezes.

LAWNS

Fertilizing

Fall feeding is by far the most important favor you can do for your lawn. The lawn enters winter stronger and healthier and emerges the following spring better able to resist disease and insect attacks and thick enough to deter weedy invaders. Fertilize cool-season grass lawns twice during the fall: once in September and again this month. Use a complete fertilizer (one that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), such as SCOTTS STARTER FERTILIZER 20-27-5,A complete fertilizer helps prepare the roots and grass blades to withstand cooler weather. Bluegrass and other cool-season grasses will have a second growth spurt.

Over seeding:

In colder areas where Bermuda grass lawns become dormant, you may want to over seed with ryegrass or fescue. Rake the lawn and mow closely before seeding. Sow seeds and keep the area moist.

Last Updated: May 21, 2006