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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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