- November 26, 2024
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November marks the entry into cooler and drier weather. We have already experienced cool temperatures after Superstorm Sandy, so many of you may have already brought in your potted house plants which you have had outside this summer. If not, consider doing so soon.
Inspect the plants for insects prior to bringing them back inside. You may even want to spray the foliage with an insecticidal soap in case sucking insects like aphids, scale and mealy bugs are not apparent.
What to do in the landscape
Remember that most plants should not be pruned until late February or early March when the chance of frost has diminished. Pruning too soon promotes tender new growth that is susceptible to freeze damage. Fall is a good time to plant trees or shrubs.
When transplanting a potted plant to your garden, first dig a hole slightly larger than the pot in which the plant is in. If the plant is pot bound, take a sharp knife or pruning shears and cut around and under the plant’s root ball, removing some roots and soil. When you are finished, loosen the soil and roots around the surface of the root ball and spread out the roots. This encourages the roots to expand into the soil.
Place the plant in the center of the hole with the foliage at the same distance above the soil line as it was in the pot. Fill the planting hole, working the soil around the root ball. Press firmly to remove any air pockets, and then water thoroughly.
Vegetable garden
Continue to plant cool season plants like broccoli, cabbage, spinach, endive and onions in your food garden. Herbs include chives, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme.
What’s in bloom
You can’t miss the spectacular billowy plumes of the pink flowers of muhly grass which are blooming all over the city, especially in the medians along the parkways and State Road 100.
This rugged grass is a must have for a low-maintenance garden. Cassia bushes also stand out in the yard this month. They are sprawling, semi-evergreen shrubs which produce bright yellow blossoms that resemble golden butterflies. They are perfect for a sunny location.
