Don’t let fall make you lazy, or your green thumb will start yellowing. There’s plenty of prepping, planning and cleaning up to do in November. Here are some tips from Oregon State University Master Gardeners.
- Clean and oil your lawnmower and other garden equipment and tools before storing them for winter.
- Drain and store hoses carefully to avoid damage from freezing.
- Renew mulch around perennial flowerbeds after removing weeds.
- Place mulch around berries for winter protection.
- Rake and compost leaves that are free of disease and insects.
- To protect built-in sprinkler systems for the winter, drain the system and insulate valve mechanisms.
- Trim chrysanthemums to 4–6 inches after they finish blooming.
- Clean and oil your lawnmower and other garden equipment and tools before storing them for winter. Drain and store hoses carefully to avoid damage from freezing. Renew mulch around perennial flowerbeds after removing weeds.
- Take cuttings of rhododendrons and camellias for propagation; propagate begonias from leaf cuttings.
- Prune roses (tea and floribunda, but NOT climbers and ramblers) to around 3 feet in height to prevent winter damage.
- It’s a good time to plant trees and shrubs. Consider varieties that supply food and shelter to birds, such as sumac, elderberry, flowering currant and mock orange.
- Still time to plant spring-flowering bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses. Don’t delay.
Be proactive in the garden in November