Late November Garden Chores

Even though the temperature has cooled off the last few days, we're still going into the end November on a warm, dry note. Winter may be coming but right now it's important to see to a few garden chores. Things to do in the landscape on a late November day include cleaning up any left-over leaves, watering, adding mulch to the roses and perennials, planting garlic, spreading soil amendments on the vegetable garden and treating those persistent weeds you see popping up.

First of all, clean up any leaves that remain on the lawn. Left in place, leaves will smother the grass and create dead patches. 

You can rake these leaves up or simply shred them with the lawn mower. Shredded bits of leaves will breakdown over the winter and improve the soil your lawn is growing in. Once the leaves are cleaned up, it's important to water. Watering now will benefit your lawn, trees, shrubs and perennials in two ways. Because it's been so dry and warm, trees, shrubs, lawns and perennials need hydration now. Long-term, everything in the garden will be better prepared for winter weather by watering at this time.

Soil needles,

stationary sprinklers or

hand-held nozzles will all work. Choose the one that fits your particular situation.

This is a good time to add mulch to your perennials and roses. Four or five inches of mulch will help preserve moisture and keep the ground stable through the winter. Choose from Gorilla Hair Mulch, Western Cedar Mulch or Soil Pep.

You may find a number of broad-leaf weeds greening up, such as Filaree. Filaree is a small, ground hugging plant, a member of the Geranium family that is taking advantage of the warm weather, just like a number of other weeds.

Treat them now with 20% acetic acid.

This strong vinegar will help control weeds, even at lower temperatures. Just be sure you keep it off plants you don't want to damage.

Apply tree wrap. Young trees are susceptible to sun scald during the winter. Applying tree wrap now will help prevent trunk damage.

Take advantage of the weather to add organic material to your vegetable beds. Two or three inches of Sheep, Peat and Compost, Canadian Peat Moss or Soil Pep now will set your garden up for a quick start next spring.

Plant garlic. The ground is still workable and garlic produces best when it's planted in the fall. There's still time for garlic to root before the ground gets cold.

While you're at it, see if there are any tulip bulbs left. They're on sale and it's okay to plant them now..

Finally, while you're out watering, weeding and planting, take time to enjoy any late blooming perennials and see if you can find any ladybugs enjoying the sun.