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November...
Focus on Bulbs, Indoor Plants
& Dreamin' of Next Spring
In November,
much of a garden lover's attention turns toward
reading up on gardening techniques and dreaming
of the next growing season. But there are still
a few ways you may want to exercise your green
thumb. Here are some suggestions:
 Still
time to plant bulbs. Has your area
has enjoyed reasonably warm, dry weather this
fall? Then there's still time to get your spring-flowering
bulbs in the ground early this month if you
haven't done so already. And your Fred Meyer
Garden Center should still have a good supply
of many favorite varieties. When you're planting
these bulbs, be sure to improve your garden
soil by amending it with Fred
Meyer All-Purpose Growing Mix… all-natural,
all-organic, and optimally formulated for all
your outdoor gardening.- Start
forcing bulbs now for bright spring color indoors
this winter. Now's the right time
to think about how to bring some color and life
to your home during the dreary January-February
months. With bulb forcing, start the process
now to ensure an early taste of spring then.
Click into our bulb
forcing column for the best varieties to
try and how to do it.
- Last-minute Lawn TLC. In
the Northwest, now's the time to give your lawn
one last mowing and edging. Rake up leaves and
other debris while you're out there, and it
will save you from looking at a shabby lawn
all winter long. And if you haven't done it
yet, be sure to over-seed your lawn as this
is the best time of year to encourage new growth.
Plus be sure to fertilize… experts consider
a fall feeding the most important one for the
year, ensuring nourishment before that "long
winter's nap.” Apply a fall/winter lawn food
about a week after over-seeding. If moss is
a problem, choose a fertilizer with iron. Also
if moss is a problem in your area, fall is a
great time to apply some dolomite lime to correct
your soil's pH levels, letting the rains wash
it in.
- Cut
back mums. As the last flowers fade,
cut your mums back to about 6" above ground.
New growth will branch out next spring.
- Focus
on indoor gardening. There's plenty
of the joy of gardening to be found with your
indoor plant friends. Click into tips like these...
- Check
out learning opportunities. Now's the
time of year when you can look into new things
to try in your garden next growing season. Check
out the opportunities master gardeners, community
centers and colleges are offering in your area.
Click into gardening resources on the net. Visit
your library and pick up some gardening books.
Or add some book titles and landscaping software
to your Christmas wish list. Now's the time
to do some real dreaming and planning!
Until
next time…
While
much of the information in these tips is applicable
in several gardening zones/climates, some of the
plants and timing suggested are best suited to
the Northwest, generally in the mild/wet growing
regions found along the I-5 corridor. You should
make appropriate adjustments or consult local
gardening experts in regions whose climates differ
from this area of the Northwest.
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