November 2003

Edible

Cut back asparagus and rhubarb leaf stalks after they have been killed by frost.

Mulch strawberry plants with a 2-4 inch layer of straw when temperatures drop into the teens.

Add a 2-3 inch layer of organic matter to the vegetable garden and till or dig into the soil. Organic matter will decompose and garden will be ready for planting in the spring.

Remove all mummified fruit from fruit trees and those that have dropped on the ground. Rake all leaves. This will reduce insect and disease infestations next year.

Try worm composting indoors. Great way to introduce kids to recycling. For a Worm Composting factsheet call 773-233-0476 or check out the web site “The Adventures of Herman the Worm” at www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/worms

Ornamental

Watch for the Shotgun Fungus (tiny black spots) on windows, hanging baskets and outdoor furniture. The black spots (spores) are expelled by the fungus in organic mulches. The spots are almost impossible to remove. The fungus develops during the spring and late fall when weather is cool and wet. Organic mulches from ground tree branches are more likely to develop the fungus than pine bark, cedar and cypress mulches.

Mark late emerging perennials with a plastic or wooden stake to avoid digging them up when working in the garden next spring.

Fill plastic bags with leaves and use them for insulation around perennials in containers. In the spring throw leaves in the compost pile.

Wait until spring to cut back ornamental grasses. The seed heads and grasses will add interest to the winter landscape. Plus they will attract birds. Cut the foliage back to about 4-6 inches in the spring before new growth starts.

Provide winter protection for roses. If using cones, don’t cover the roses too early. Wait until temperatures have dropped into the teens for several nights. Remove foliage or plant debris especially with the disease blackspot prevalent this year. Prune the plant if needed to fit under the cone. Cut 3-4 one inch holes around the top and bottom of the cone for ventilation. Mound soil around the base of the rose bush before covering with the cone. For very tender rose varieties, cut off the top of the cone and fill it full of straw for added protection. Weight down the top of the cone with a heavy stone or brick.

Overwinter climbing roses by removing them from trellises and lay canes on the ground, being careful not to crack or break canes; cover with 5-6 inches of soil. Hold in place with wire pins or notched stakes. Cover the base of the climber with 10-12 inches of soil.

Continue to mow the lawn as long as grass is growing. For the last mowing lower the mowing height by a half-inch. This will prevent the grass from lying over.

Dig the hole now if you plan to have a live Christmas tree inside during the holidays. Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball. Move the soil from the hole into the garage so it won’t freeze. Place leaves in the hole to keep the surrounding soil unfrozen.

Take the family to a local “Cut Your Own” Christmas Tree Farm. Most open the day after Thanksgiving. For a free listing of local farms call 773-233-0476 or check out the “Christmas Trees & More” website at www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/trees

Pot up amaryllis bulbs for spectacular holiday blooms. Pick a pot so there is no more than 2-3 inches between the bulb and the side of the pot. Amaryllis like to be pot bound. Plant so that one third of the bulb is above the soil level. Water well and place in sunny area. Only water when soil is dry. Overwatering will cause bulbs to rot.