Horticultural Hints for November!
There's still outdoor work to be done!
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Finish the autumn cleanup you started in October...
Those non-woody plants collapsing around your garden need to be cleaned up now and, by ‘cleaned up’, they need to be cut close to the ground, bagged, and evicted from your property. Your garden will look much better for the winter, and it ensures you are removing any disease or insect eggs that might winter over.
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Compost! Leaves and other clean foliage should go into your composter or compost heap. Leaves run over by the lawnmower are a great source of nutrients for new plantings and existing lawns. Spread mulched leaves over old garden beds. The leaves’ nutrients will move toward the roots from the freezing and thawing action of the soil.
Decorating for the holidays? If you plan to put lights on outdoor trees or shrubs, do it now. Why? Because the branches become more prone to breaking as the weather turns colder. After the holidays, leave the lights in place until you have a warm day when you won’t risk damaging branches when you remove the strands.
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Time to feed the birds.
Winter is tough on the birds that don’t migrate south. If you enjoy the color and antics they bring to your winter garden, welcome them with food and water. Choose the food that will attract the birds you prefer, or be a generous generalist and see who appears. The reward for being a big-hearted host will come next spring as those same birds will repay your hospitality by eating insects and insect eggs that could bedevil your garden. 
All of the greens and branches in this container can be found in New England gardens. Placed in moist soil in late November, they’ll continue to be attractive well into the new year.
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Welcome the rain and snow.
The best news for gardeners following a summer-long drought has been the rain that we had in late October. Hopefully November will supply sufficient soil moisture to see our plants through the winter. However, hoping for more rain (or snow) before the ground freezes would not be out of order. 
Are your houseplants winter ready? With your home’s heating system now running full time, your house plants will need more water to compensate for much lower indoor humidity. Check them frequently for dry soil. They will also appreciate regular mistings.
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When you cut greens for indoor or outdoor displays, remember those basic rules for pruning so you do not accidentally transform a handsome tree or shrub into a landscape liability. If you like bright, berry accents among your greens, use artificial ones instead of taking berries from the birds.
Horticultural Hints are written and created by Betty Sanders. For more horticultural suggestions throughout the year, please visit www.BettyOnGardening.com
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Martha's Vineyard Garden Club
PO Box 5061 Vineyard Haven MA 02568 |