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November Activities
TREES AND SHRUBS:
~If
you are not happy with where a tree or shrub is located, this month is a
great time to transplant. For young plants (less than two years in the
current location,) the root ball is probably still small enough to move
without too much trauma. Older plants will adjust to their new “digs”
better if root-pruned prior to their change in locale. Make a dotted
line with a sharp shooter spade (which is long and skinny) at about one foot
from the main trunk of the plant. This process entails sinking the spade
all the way to the hips or top of it, skipping a space the width of the
spade, then sinking the spade into the ground again. Repeat this process
until you have gone all the way around the plant making something of a
dotted line. Wait three to six weeks to allow new feeder roots to develop
within that one-foot radius and then when the shrub or tree is transplanted,
it will be better able to take up water and nutrients. It is also a good
idea to trim back the top of the plant so that the roots have a smaller
canopy to support. Keep the new root ball watered since it will have fewer
feeder roots to absorb moisture and mulch well.
~Look for great deals on fruit
trees at your local nursery. Many now put merchandise on sale so they do not
have to nurse them through the winter months. Take advantage of the great
prices and the great weather. Fall is one of the best times to put in hardy
fruiting shrubs and trees in Texas. Check with you county extension service
(http://county-tx.tamu.edu/)
for specific types and varieties that are best for your area of the state.
PERENNIALS:
~Most
perennials may be divided and shared with neighbors this month. Continue to
deadhead (remove spent blooms) on all perennials for a longer bloom period.
After chrysanthemums have finished, give them a break by removing leggy
stalks to make a bushier, healthier plant for next season.
~Plant previously refrigerated daffodil bulbs at Thanksgiving
for outstanding winter blooms. Cold storage is needed ONLY for new daffodil
bulbs; no need to dig up bulbs from earlier years. Do NOT store in same bin
as apples though. Apples release gas that will rot bulbs. Treat tulips the
same way, but they are considered an annual for most of Texas (unless you
are much more ambitious than the rest of us and plan to dig them up each
year and re-refrigerate).
ANNUALS/VEGETABLES:
~Pinch
back fall/winter annuals for continual blooms and do not forget to feed on a
regular basis (Liquid fish emulsion is a favorite --- if you can stand the
smell for a few days!).
~Mustard and turnip greens,
lettuce, spinach can be put out this month in many areas for fresh salads.
(Protect from freeze with a blanket.) Most root veggies, such as carrots and
radishes, will also thrive in November’s coolness. Do not forget herbs
either: curly parsley, rosemary and others are ideal for evergreen touches
to the garden’s edge.
GENERAL:
~None
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