“It’s November” … What needs to be done

PLANTING

• Now through February is the perfect time to plant container-grown trees and shrubs. Dig a hole two times the diameter and one inch shallower than the root ball. Make sure the root ball and the hole are thoroughly wet before planting. Backfill with existing soil and water well.
• Use the “Custom Tree Selector” at http://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu for help in selecting the right tree for the right location. Also, see “Native and Adapted Plants for North Texas” at https://wateruniversity.tamu.edu/about/publications .
• Plant pansies and violas now. Bluebonnets can still be planted from transplants.
• Daffodils and grape hyacinth may be planted once soil temperature drops below 55^o F. Plant 2-3 times as deep as the bulb is tall.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING

• Feed winter annuals growing in the ground and in outdoor containers with a high-nitrogen, water-soluble plant food every two to three weeks. Also, feed and water cool-season vegetables that you are growing now.
• Remove the tops of herbaceous perennials after they have died. Add 2-3 inches of mulch to the beds to reduce winter weed growth.
• Trim patio plants and hanging baskets before moving indoors for the winter. Locate them near bright windows.
• Refrain from pruning freeze-damaged woody plants at this time. This pruning is best done in late winter.

GARDEN WATCH

• It’s time to winterize! Disconnect hoses from faucets and drain all hose-end sprinklers. Drain fuel from gasoline-powered engines and run the carburetor dry. Greenhouse owners should check the heating and ventilation systems to ensure proper operation.
• Check outdoor potted plants for insects (mealybugs, whiteflies, spider mites, aphids, roaches, ants) before moving inside for the winter. Apply a labeled insecticide if needed.
• When planning new landscapes, select trees, shrubs and perennials that are winter hardy in your area. According to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map, Ellis County is located in Zone 8 (average lowest annual temperature is 10^o F to 20^o F). Therefore, it is best to choose plants listed for Zone 8, or the one or two zones to the north (Zone 6 or 7).

EXTREME GARDENING TOPICS:

Extreme Soil – Ellis County’s soil is known as Blackland Prairie soil. It is also known as “cracking clays” because of the large deep cracks that form in dry weather. This high shrink-swell property can cause serious damage to foundations, highways and other structures. Making sure to keep foundations watered in hot dry conditions can help to offset this “shrink — swell” effect.

The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesi) is a favorite holiday season house plant, but one which needs careful attention to details if it is to live and flower again the next year. These are

 cacti which in nature live in the crotches of jungle trees, and benefit from light, porous soil mixed with leafmold and sand. Keep the plant in a sheltered place until danger of freezing is over. Water carefully, keeping in mind that overwatering is the major cause of failure with Christmas cactus. Soak the potting medium when watering, then allow the plant to become almost dry before watering again.