Gardeners Can Still Stay Busy During Cooler Weather

By Trisha Gedon, Oklahoma State University

First posted on 11-04-2010

Although the weather has cooled off considerably, gardeners can still find plenty to keep them busy.

David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension consumer horticulture specialist, said November is the time to fertilize cool-season grasses.

“Grass such as fescue should be fertilized at one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Continue to mow fescue as needed at two inches,” he said. “Remember to water during dry conditions, too.
Now is a good time to control broadleaf winter weeds such as dandelions.

When it comes to tree and shrub care, prune deciduous trees early in the winter, but prune only for structural and safety purposes. Do not prune spring flowering plants until after they have flowered next spring. Fruit trees should not be pruned at this time. Wait until next February or March before bud break.

“Young, thin-barked trees should be wrapped with a commercial protective material to prevent winter sunscald,” he said. “You can continue to plant balled and burlapped trees, and watch for arborvitae aphids, which tolerate cooler temperatures in evergreen shrubs.”

Tulips and other spring flowering bulbs can be planted through the middle of November. Bulbs such as hyacinth, narcissus and tulip can also be potted in containers for indoor forcing. Be sure to leave foliage on asparagus, mums and other perennials to help insulate crowns from hard winter conditions.

Leftover garden seeds can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer until next planting season. However, seeds more than three years old should be discarded.
Leaves should be raked and shredded and added to compost, used as mulch or tilled into garden plots.

Now is a great time to clean, repair and store garden and landscape tools. Coat metal surfaces with a light application of oil to prevent rusting. Drain the fuel tanks of all power equipment, as well as irrigation lines and garden hoses. Coil water hoses and store them indoors.

“Although the wintery weather may not be what you consider the typical gardening season, there are plenty of opportunities for gardeners to get their gardening fix,” Hillock said. “The things you do to your gardens and landscapes at this time of year will give you a head start on the next gardening season.”

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