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McDowell County Garden Calendar

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McDowell County Garden Calendar

McDowell County Garden Calendar (pdf)

January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

January

Plants in Flower

Camellia japonica, Wintersweet, Daphne odora, January Jasmine, Lenten Rose

Planting

None

Pruning

  • Prune broken and undesirable limbs on your shade tree.
  • Remove weed or undesirable trees from your landscape.

Spraying

None

Lawn Care

Keep tree leaves from collecting on your lawn.

Propagation

Hardwood cuttings of many landscape plants like Forsythia (Yellow Bells), Flowering Quince, Weigela, Crape Myrtle, Juniper, Spirea, and Hydrangea can be taken this month.

Specific Chores

  • Do not forget to care for holiday house plants like Poinsettia, Amaryllis, Christmas Cactus, Gloxinia, and Cyclamen.
  • Order your small fruit plants like Strawberry, Blueberry, and Blackberry for a mid-March planting.
  • Study your home landscape to see what additions or improvements can be added to your yard.
  • Visit the local public library for landscape and garden information.
  • Prepare a spot in the vegetable garden for February vegetables like English Peas, Cabbage, Carrots, Onions, Irish Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Spinach, and Turnips.
  • Study your seed catalogs and check for the All-American selections of flowers and vegetables.
  • Order fruit trees, if not done last fall. Contact the Extension Center to find out the recommended small fruit varieties

February

Plants in Flower

Camellia japonica, Wintersweet, Breath-of-Spring (Winter Honeysuckle), Daphne odora, Lenten-Rose, Trailing Arbutus, Crocus, and Violets.

Planting

  • First week in February start Broccoli, Cabbage, and Cauliflower plants inside your home.
  • Plant English Peas, Onions, Radishes, Rutabagas, and Turnips.
  • Plant Asparagus crowns when soil is dry enough to work.

Pruning

  • Prune all fruit trees (Apple, Cherry, Nectarine, Peach, Pear, and Plum).
  • Prune Muscadine and Bunch Grape vines this month.
  •  Trim ornamental grasses like Liriope, Mondo Grass, and Pampass Grass.
  • Cut back any overgrown shrubs. Severe pruning should be done this month.
  • All summer flowering plants like Crape Myrtle, Rose-of-Sharon, Eleagnus, and Butterfly Bush should be pruned. Prune Camellias after they finish flowering.

Spraying

  • Peach and Nectarine trees need to be sprayed with a fungicide to prevent leaf curl.
  • After pruning, spray all fruit trees with dormant oil to help eliminate some insects.

Lawn Care

  • Cool season lawns like Tall Fescue should be fertilized. Follow soil test results.
  • Control Wild Onion in your lawn with spot sprays of a recommended herbicide.

Propagation

  • Divide perennials like Daylily and Shasta Daisy when the ground is dry enough.
  •  Hardwood cuttings of many landscape plants like Crape Myrtle, Flowering Quince, Forsythia, Hydrangea, Juniper, Spirae, and Weigela can be taken this month.

Specific Chores

  • Order flowers for your sweetheart – Happy Valentine’s Day!
  • Develop a vegetable and landscape plan for your home grounds.

March

Plants in Flower

Saucer Magnolia, Bradford Pear, Flowering Cherry, Forsythia, Star Magnolia, Breath-of-Spring (Winter Honeysuckle), Spirea, Flowering Quince, Carolina Jessamine, Periwinkle, Thrift, Violets, Crocus, Daffodil, Hyacinths, and Tulips

Fertilizing

  • Fertilize your important shade trees.
  • Fertilize Asparagus beds early in March before spear growth begins.
  • Ponds should be fertilized starting this month and continuing through October.
  • Before planting your vegetables, fertilize your garden as recommended by your soil test results.
  • Lime should have been applied in the autumn. If not, apply the recommended amount of lime.

Planting

  • Plant a tree for Arbor Day! Arbor Day is always the first Friday after March 15.
  • Plant your small fruit plants, grape vines and fruit trees before the buds break.
  • March is a good month to transplant trees and shrubs.
  • New shrubs and ground covers can be planted the entire month of March. Be sure to follow your planting plan.
  • Plant seeds of the following perennials: Columbine, Hollyhock, Coreopsis, Daisy, and Phlox. Sweet William can also be planted this month.
  • New rose bushes can be planted this month.
  • Plants of Broccoli, Cabbage, and Cauliflower should be set out in the garden in mid-March.
  • The following vegetables can be planted this month: Beets, Carrots, Chinese Cabbage, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Swiss Chard, and Turnip.
  • Start any annual flowers inside your home that are not commercially available in early March.

Pruning

  • Prune spring flowering plants like Forsythia (Yellow Bells), Spirea, Breath of Spring, and Flowering Quince after the flowers fade.
  • Prune roses after bud break.
  • Prune shrubs like Abelia, Mahonia, and Nandina this month if needed.
  • Pick off faded flowers of Pansy and Daffodil. Pansies will flower longer if old flowers are removed.

Spraying

  • Check the following landscape shrubs for insect pests:  Camellia (Tea Scale), Euoynymus (Scale), Juniper (Spider Mites),  Hybrid Rhododendron (Borers).
  • Start your rose spray program just prior to bud break.
  • Spray Iris beds for Iris Borers starting in mid-March.
  • Spray your Apple and Pear trees with streptomycin for control of Fire Blight. During bloom Pears MUST be sprayed.

Lawn Care

  • Apply Crabgrass Preventers herbicides to your lawn this month to control crabgrass and other summer annual weeds in the turf.
  • Mow your tall fescue lawn as needed.

Propagation

  • Continue to divide perennials like Daylily, Shasta Daisy, Gaillardia, and Coreopsis this month. Cannas can also be divided in May.

Specific Chores

  • Check garden supplies like fertilizer and herbicides to see if you have adequate amounts.
  • Check all garden equipment, lawn mowers, tillers, hedge trimmers, tools, hoses, and sprayers to see if they are in working order before they are needed.
  • Be certain that old plantings of perennials like Peony, Hollyhock, and Phlox are clean of last season’s growth.

April

Plants in Flower

Crabapple, Carolina Silverbell, Dogwood, Redbud, Flowering Cherry, Viburnum, Pearlbush, Lilac, Carolina Rhododendron, Sweet Shrub, Piedmont Azalea, Banks Rose, Exbury Azalea, Spirea, Pieris, Evergreen Azaleas, Kerria (Easter Rose), Drooping Leucothoe, Weigela, Wisteria, Periwinkle, Ajuga, Candytuft, Violets, Columbine, Trillium, Flags (Dwarf Iris), Bloodroot, Bleeding Heart, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Anemone, and Siberian Squill

Fertilizing

  • Don’t be an April Fool! Fertilize all early spring flowering plants
    like forsythia and evergreens like holly early in April. Later
    bloomers like Azaleas and Rhododendrons should be fertilized
    after their flowers fade.
  • Once you can determine whether your fruit trees have any fruit, you can decide how much fertilizer to
    give them.

Planting

  • Annual flowers can be planted outside the last week of April. Some commonly planted annuals are Ageratum, Begonia, Celosia, Dwarf Dahlia, Dusty Miller, Geranium, Marigold, Petunia, Portulaca, Salvia, Snapdragon, Annual Vinca, and Zinnia.
  • Plant Gladioli bulbs this month and continue through mid-June.
  • Many gardeners prefer to transplant Azaleas in April so they can group the plants according to their flower color.

Pruning

  • Prune April flowering plants like Azalea, Lilac, and Weigela.
  • Prune berry producing shrubs like Holly and Pyracantha while in flower to prevent complete removal of all of this season’s berries.
  • If needed, trim spring flowering trees like Bradford Pear, Flowering Cherry, and Redbud.
  • Cut out any winter damage that may have occurred this year.

Spraying

  • Spray the following landscape shrubs for these insect pests:  Azalea (Lace Bug), Boxwood (Leaf Miner), Camellia (Tea Scale), Euonymus (Scale), Hemlock and Juniper (Spider Mites), and Hybrid Rhododendron (Borer).
  • Spray Iris beds for Iris Borers.
  • Check Broccoli, Cabbage, and Cauliflower for worms.
  • Begin weekly tree fruit sprays after flower petals fall.
  • Start a fungicide spray program for your Bunch Grapes this month. Follow with weekly sprays.
  • Continue with rose spray program.
  • Scout or observe your landscape plants before spraying. Pests may not be present.

Lawn Care

  • Plant warm season grasses like Bermudagrass and and Centipede this month. Zoysia is planted in May.

Propagation

  • This is a good time to layer new plants by lowering a branch of your favorite shrubs and covering it with soil and a stone.

Specific Chores

  • Visit your local garden centers and nurseries  to see what plants and products are available.
  • Mulch all of your landscape plants as needed. Pine Needles, Cypress Mulch, and Pine Bark are good mulches.
  • Prepare labels for all new plants and keep records on how well they perform.

May

Plants in Flower

Southern Magnolia, Golden Chain Tree, Kousa Dogwood, Hybrid
Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, Satsuki Azalea, Scotch Broom, Deutzia, Beauty Bush, Weigela, Gumpo Azalea, Roses, Clematis, Honeysuckle, Dianthus, Sweet William, Candytuft, Bearded Iris, Peony, Coreopsis, Poppy, Lady Slipper, and Summer Annuals

Fertilizing

  • Fertilize summer flowering plants like Crape Myrtle and Rose-of Sharon.
  • Do not forget to side-dress or fertilize your vegetable six to eight weeks after germination.

Planting 

  • Plant Gladioli bulbs (Corms) this month.
  • Continue setting out summer annuals like Begonia, Geranium, Marigold, Petunia, and Zinnia this month.
  • The following vegetable plants can be set out this month: Eggplant, Pepper, Tomato, and Sweet Potato.
  • The following vegetables can be planted this month: Beans, Lima Beans, Cantaloupe, Corn, Cucumbers, Okra, Southern Peas, Pumpkin, Squash, and Watermelon.

Pruning

  • Prune your hybrid Rhododendron after they finish flowering.
  • Prune any hedges that have outgrown their desired shape.
  • Begin pinching your Chrysanthemums and continue through mid- July.
  • Pick off Azalea and Sasanqua Leaf Galls as they form.
  • Do NOT cut back spring bulb foliage until it turns yellow and brown.

Pest Control

  • Check the following landscape shrubs for the following insect pests:  Conifers (Bag Worm), Azalea (Lace Bug), Boxwood (Leaf Miner), Camellia (Tea Scale), Euonymus (Scale), Hemlock and Juniper (Spider Mites), Pyracantha (Lace Bug), and Hybrid Rhododendron (Borer).
  • Spray Iris beds for Iris Borers.
  • Treat the following vegetables if insects are observed: Cucumber (Cucumber Beetle), Squash (Aphids), Tomato and Eggplant (Flea Beetle), Broccoli, Cabbage and Cauliflower (Worms). Treat Squash for Squash Vine Borer.
  • Begin Corn Ear Worm control at early silking and continue through the late silking stages.
  • Continue with rose spray program.
  • Keep spraying your tree fruits and bunch grapes with a fungicide program.
  • To control Poison Ivy and Honeysuckle, begin spraying this month with a recommended weed killer.
  • Use pesticides sparingly. Spray only when needed.

Lawn Care

  • Fertilize warm season grasses like Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, and Zoysia this month. Do NOT fertilize tall fescue now.
  • Start any warm season lawns like Zoysia, Bermudagrass, and Centipedegrass in May.
  • Mowing heights for your lawn are important. Cut Tall Fescue at three inches, Zoysia at one inch, Bermudagrass at one inch, and Centipedegrass at one inch.

Propagation

  • Take softwood cuttings of plants like Clematis, Chrysanthemum, and Geranium in late May if you have a misting system.

Specific Chores

  • Purchase locally grown strawberries.
  • Move houseplants outside if desired.
  • If weather has been dry, give favorite plants a good soaking once a week.

June

Plants in Flower

Southern Magnolia, Golden Rain Tree, Mimosa, Smoketree, Rosebay
Rhododendron, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Sweet Azalea, Gardenia, Rose, Summer Spirea, Florist Hydrangea, Yucca, Gumpo Satsuki Azaleas, Hypericum, Trumpet Creeper, Phlox, Butterfly Weed, Daylily, Balloon Flower, Stokesia, Coreopsis, Poppy, Canna, Red Hot Poker, Rose-of-Sharon, and summer annuals

Fertilizing

  • Fertilize and side-dress your vegetables as needed.

Planting

  • Start plants in June of Brussel Sprouts and Collards for transplanting  into the garden in mid-July.
  • Plant the following vegetables in your garden in June: Beans, Lima Beans, Cantaloupe, Corn, Cucumbers, Okra, Southern Peas, Peppers, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Pumpkin, Squash, and
    Watermelon.

Pruning

  • Late June is the recommended time to prune  White Pine. Trim new growth only.
  • Prune Narrowleaf Evergreens like Juniper and Arborvitae late this month. Trim new growth only.
  • Prune the Bigleaf or Florist Hydrangea when the flowers fade.
  • Trim hedges as needed.
  • Remove water sprouts on any fruit trees and Crabapple.
  • Cut off the faded flowers of Phlox, Shasta Daisy, and Daylily to encourage a second flowering.
  • Trim dried up foliage of your spring flowering bulbs.
  • Prune off dieback on Hybrid Rhododendron.
  • Pinch your Chrysanthemums to encourage branching.

Pest Control

  • Check the following landscape shrubs for the following insect pests:   Conifers (Bag worm), Boxwood (Leaf-Miner), Crape Myrtle (Aphid), Hemlock (Spider Mites), and Pyracantha (Lace Bug).
  • Spray for Japanese Beetles as needed.
  • Treat the following vegetables if insects are observed: Cucumber (Cucumber Beetle), Squash (Aphids), Tomato and Eggplant (Flea Beetle), Broccoli, Cabbage and Cauliflower (worms).
  • Treat Squash for Squash Vine Bores.
  • Keep spraying your tree fruits and Bunch Grapes with a pest control program.
  • Check your Asparagus plants for the Asparagus Beetle. Spray with the recommended insecticide if beetles are observed.
  • Continue with rose spray program.
  • Watch for dark brown spots on your Tomato leaves. If observed, spray with a fungicide for early blight.
  • Spray herbicides on the following woody weeds: Poison Ivy, Honeysuckle, and Kudzu.
  • Use pesticides sparingly. Spray only when needed.

Lawn Care

  • Continue fertilizing warm season grasses like Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, and Zoysia this month. Do NOT fertilize tall fescue now.
  • Start any warm season lawns like Zoysia, Bermudagrass, and Centipedegrass in June.

Propagation

  • Late June is the ideal time  to take semi-hardwood cuttings. Azaleas, Cotoneaster, Camellia, Holly, Pieris, and Rhododendron cuttings should be taken in June or July.

Specific Chores

  • Build a cold frame for rooting your shrub cuttings.
  • Renovate your Strawberry bed after the berry harvest is completed.
  • Water your favorite plants during periods of dry weather. Water early in the morning. Late watering encourages plant disease growth.

July

Plants in Flower

Mimosa, Trumpet Creeper, Phlox, Butterfly Weed, Daylily, Red Hot Poker, Rose-of-Sharon, Sourwood, Crapemyrtle, Stewartia, St. John’s Wort, Abelia, Peegee Hydrangea, Chaste-Tree, Canna, Dahlia, Shasta Daisy, and summer annuals

Fertilizing

  • Continue sidedressing your garden vegetables.
  • Take soil samples from your lawn areas for testing. Soil boxes are available at the County Extension Center.

Planting 

  • Plants of Brussel Sprouts  and Collards can be set out in mid-July.
  • You can begin your fall vegetable garden this month. Plant Beans, Carrots, and Tomatoes in July.
  • Start Broccoli, Cabbage, and Cauliflower plants in peat pots to transplant into the vegetable garden early.
  • Begin repotting overgrown houseplants.

Pruning

  • Prune bleeder trees like e Maple, Dogwood, Birch, and Elm this month.
  • Prune the fruiting canes of Raspberry and Blackberry plants after harvest is over. Cut canes at ground level.
  • Prune off dieback limbs on Hybrid Rhododendron.
  • Trim hedges as needed.
  • Continue pruning White Pines and Narrow Leaf Evergreens like Juniper early in the month.
  • Remove faded flowers on Crape Myrtle and flowering perennials to encourage a second flowering.
  • Pinch your Chrysanthemums the first week only!
  • Do NOT prune spring flowering shrubs now.

Spraying

  • Check the following landscape shrubs for the following insect pests:  Arborvitae (Bagworms), Azalea and Pyracantha (Lace Bug), Crape Myrtle (Aphids).
  • Spray for Japanese Beetles as needed.
  • Spray Crape Myrtle for Powdery Mildew.
  • Continue with Rose spray program.
  • Spray your tree fruits and Bunch Grapes on a regular basis.
  • Spray the following vegetables if insects are observed: Cucumber (Cucumber Beetle), Squash (Aphids), Tomato, and Eggplant (Flea Beetle).
  • Spray woody weeds like Poison Ivy, Honeysuckle, and Kudzu with a recommended herbicide.

Lawn Care

  • Remember to change direction when moving your lawn. Travel north to south on one mowing and east to west on the next cutting.
  • Continue feeding your warm season lawn with fertilizer. Do NOT give Tall Fescue lawns any fertilizer this month.

Propagation

  • This month is still a great time This month is still a great time to take semi-hardwood cuttings of Azaleas, Camellia, Holly, Rhododendron and many other shrubs.
  • July is an ideal time to divide and transplant your Iris.

Specific Chores

  • July is a good month July is a good month to see if and where your home can use some additional shade trees.
  • Blossom-end rot may be seen on Tomatoes this month. Two factors – too little water and low pH may be the reason. Watering and mulching will help this year. A soil test will help you to correct low pH next year.
  • In dry weather, both your vegetable garden and landscape plants will benefit from a good soaking watering. Slow watering will penetrate the root zone better.

August

Plants in Flower

Crape Myrtle, Rose-of-Sharon, Peegee Hydrangea, Abelia, Canna, Dahlia, Trumpet Creeper, Cardinal Flower, Butterfly Weed, Phlox, Cleome, Hosta, Liriope and summer annuals

Fertilizing

  • Strawberries will benefit from m a feeding of nitrogen fertilizer this month.
  • Do NOT fertilize shrubs in August, September, October, or November

Planting

  • Plant pansy seed this month in flats for planting in the landscape in September.
  • Spider Lily (Lycoris), Colchicum (Autumn Crocus), and Sternbergia bulbs should be planted in August.
  • Sow seed of the following perennials: Hollyhock, Delphinium, and Stokesia to produce healthy plants for next spring.
  • Continue repotting house plants.
  • Plant the following fall vegetable plants this month: Beets, Chinese Cabbage, Cucumber, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard, Radish, Rutabaga, Spinach, Squash, and Turnip.

Spraying

  • Check the following landscape shrubs for the following insect pests:  Arborvitae and Juniper (Spider Mites), Azalea and Pyracantha (Lace Bug), and Crape Myrtle (Aphids).
  • Continue with rose spray program.
  • Peach and Nectarine trees need a trunk spray for Peach Tree Borers.
  • Check the following fall vegetables for insects: Broccoli, Cabbage, and Cauliflower (Worms), Squash (Borers).
  • Continue weekly sprays on Bunch Grapes and tree fruits.
  • Spray the following shrubs for the following plant diseases: Crape Myrtle (Powdery Mildew).
  • Control the following woody weeds by spraying them with the recommended herbicide: Greenbriar, Kudzu, Trumpet Creeper, and Wisteria

Lawn Care

  • Check all lawn areas for grubs. Use the recommended insecticides if needed.
  • In late August, prepare the lawn areas for seeding if you plan to have a Tall Fescue lawn

Propagation

  • Cuttings of your favorite shrubs can still be taken in August.

Specific Chores

  • If you are planning to do some fall landscape planting, be sure you have a planting plan prepared.
  • Continue watering favorite landscape plants and your vegetable garden if dry weather persists.
  • Begin the construction of a leaf compost bin.
  • Cure Irish Potatoes this month.
  • Disbud Camellia japonica where two flower buds on the same limb exist. Remove the bud only if they originate from the same point.

September

Plants in Flower

Crape Myrtle, Rose-of-Sharon, Sasanqua Camellia, Japonica Camellia, Dahlia, Canna, Ginger Lily, Chrysanthemum, Spider Lily, Fall Crocus, Liriope, Sedum, and summer annuals

Fertilizing

  • NONE–See what’s happening in Lawn Care

Planting

  • September is the best time to set out landscape plants. Shop early to find the nicest shrubs.
  • When planting containerized plants, try to be certain to disturb or “open up” the plants’ root ball.
  • Set out new Chrysanthemum plants this month.
  • Plant Pansies to add color to your yard in the autumn, winter, and spring months.
  • Groundcovers will become well established if planted now.
  • Transplant any evergreen trees or shrubs that need moving this month.
  • Plant the following fall vegetables in September: Mustard, Onion, Radish, and Turnip

Pruning

  • Do NOT prune shrubs in:  September, October, or November.
  • Remove “weed” or unnecessary trees from your landscape.
  • Rootprune any trees or plants you plan to move next spring.

Spraying

  • Check the following landscape shrubs for the following insect pests:  Hemlock (Wooly Adelgid), Arborvitae, Hemlock, and Juniper (Spider Mites), Azalea and Pyracantha (Lace Bug), and Euonymus (Scale).
  • Crape Myrtle leaves may be blackened from sooty mold. Help loosen with summer oil.
  • Spray for Peach Tree Borer on your Nectarine and Peach tree trunks.
  • Continue with rose spray program.
  • Keep a close eye on all fall vegetable plants. Insects and diseases are more severe in the autumn.
  • Control the following woody weeds by spraying the recommended herbicide: Trumpet Creeper, Bermudagrass, and Blackberry.

Lawn Care

  • Tall Fescue lawns should be seeded this month. Remember to mulch the newly seeded areas with Wheat or Barley straw.
  • Fertilize and lime your Tall Fescue lawns according to soil test results.
  • Do NOT fertilize warm season grasses like Centipedegrass, Bermudagrass, and Zoysia now.
  • Homeowners can apply an insecticide for lawn grubs in early September, if not done in August.

Propagation

  • Spring flowering bulbs  can be divided and replanted this month. Daffodils will be the bulbs that most likely need this consideration.

Specific Chores

  • Mulch your favorite  landscape plants for the winter.
  • Mark trees in the woods to be transplanted next March.
  • Clean up garden sprayers and lawn equipment if not in use.
  • Prepare house plants to reenter your home. Bring them inside a little each day and rid them of insect pests.
  • If you do not have a fall vegetable garden, it is a good time to chop, burn, or discard dead vegetable plants.
  • Look for spring flowering bulbs to plant in October.
  • You can get last year’s Poinsettia to flower by placing it in total uninterrupted darkness for 15 hours a day, starting the last week of the month and continuing through Thanksgiving. Do NOT leave in darkness all day.

October

Plants in Flower

Camellia sasanqua, Japonica Camellia, Chrysanthemum, and Franklinia

Plants with Colorful Berries

American Beautyberry, Burfordholly, Chinese Holly, Foster Holly, Nellie Stevens Holly, Nandina, and Pyracantha

Fertilizing

  • Fertilize spring  flowering bulbs at planting time with a balanced fertilizer.

Planting

  • Plant spring flowering bulbs  like Daffodil, Tulip, Crocus,
    and Hyacinth this month.
  • October is still a good time to set out new landscape plants.
  • Plant or transplant Peonies this month.
  • Continue planting Pansy plants now.
  • If you do not have a fall vegetable garden, plant cover crops like Annual Rye, Barley, and Wheat.
  • You can start salad vegetables in a cold frame and enjoy them all winter. Plant Lettuce, Green Onions, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Cauliflower and most leafy greens inside the cold frame.

Pruning

  • Rootprune any  trees or plants you plan to move next spring.

Spraying

  • Control the following woody weeds by spraying the recommended herbicide: Trumpet Creeper, and Blackberry.
  • Store your garden pesticides in a secured, dry location.
  • Clean spray tanks.

Lawn Care 

  • Warm season lawns Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, and Zoysia can be over seeded with annual Ryegrass.
  • Keep tree leaves from collecting on your lawn.

Propagation

  • Remember to check the  the cuttings you put in a cold frame for winter. This should be done twice a month. Water as needed.

Specific Chores

  • Take soil samples from your plant beds and vegetable garden for testing.
  • Start filling your compost bin as leaves begin to fall.
  • If you have not or do not plan to plant a cover crop, you can till organic material like tree leaves into your vegetable garden soil.
  • Prepare bird feeders.
  • Dig and store summer bulbs like Gladioli, Dahlia, and Caladium.
  • Cure Sweet Potatoes this month.
  • Spring flowering bulbs can be forced to flower in the dead of winter. Just pot the bulbs early this month and place inside your refrigerator. In twelve weeks take them out into the warmth of your home.
  • Continue to prepare your lawn and garden equipment for winter storage.
  • Store leftover fertilizers in a dry location for use next spring.

November

Plants in Flower

Camellia japonica

Plants with Colorful Berries

American Beautyberry, Burford Holly, Chinese Holly, Foster Holly, Nellie R. Stevens Holly, Nandine, and Pyracantha

Fertilizing

  • None needed on plants outside.
  • Use wood ashes as a replacement for limestone. (Rule of thumb: 3 lbs of wood ashes = 1 lb of ground limestone).
  • Fertilize house plants as needed.

Planting

  • Deciduous or leaf losing trees and shrubs can be transplanted after the leaves fall in the autumn.
  • Plant trees and shrubs this month.

Pruning

  • Time to trim existing Asparagus foliage. Cut to the ground after the foliage is killed by frost.
  • No pruning should be done on shrubs or trees at this time.
  • Cut back and clean up frost-killed perennials.

Lawn Care

  • Mow your cool season or tall fescue lawn as needed.
  • Keep tree leaves from collecting on your lawn

Propagation

  • Water your cuttings  in the cold frame as needed.
  • You may want to try your hand at air layering on some of your house plants like Dieffenbachia or Dumb Cane.

Specific Chores

  • Soil tests results should be  back if samples were sent in September or October. Apply the recommended lime to the areas in need of liming. Wait and fertilize in the spring.
  • Check with the local Extension Center for the recommended fruit varieties for the area.
  • Order fruit trees and grapevines this month for a February or March delivery and planting.
  • Remember to water your evergreen trees and shrubs thoroughly before winter set in, particularly if weather conditions have been dry.
  • Look to see if screens or windbreaks are needed around your home.
  • Continue filling the compost bin with the fallen leaves.
  • Look for yuletide plants as gifts. Remember, some plants like Poinsettias should be placed in the sunniest room in the house.
  • Consider giving your family gardener a holiday gift to use in the garden.

December

Plants in Flower

Camellia japonica

Plants with Colorful Berries

American Beautyberry, Burford Holly, Chinese Holly, Foster Holly, Nellie R. Stevens Holly, Nandina and Pyracantha

Fertilizing

  • None needed on plants outside.
  • Use wood ashes as a replacement for limestone. (Rule of thumb: 3 lbs of wood ashes = 1 lb of ground limestone).
  • Fertilize house plants as needed.

Planting

  • Plant trees outside as long as the ground is not frozen.

Pruning

  • Prune berry producing plants  if berries are desired in table arrangements over the holidays.
  • Remove “weed” or undesirable trees from your landscape.

Lawn Care

  • Keep tree leaves from collecting on your lawn.

Propagation

  • Take leaf cuttings  of your favorite house plants like African Violets and Begonia.
  • Hardwood cuttings of your landscape plants like Forsythia (Yellow Bells), Flowering Quince, Weigela, Crape Myrtle, and Hydrangea can be taken this month.

Specific Chores

  • Put pine needles  or Wheat/Barley straw over your Strawberry plants.
  • Keep your living Christmas tree outside until you are ready to decorate. White Pine is the recommended living tree for all of North Carolina. In the mountain region, Fraser Fir is also recommended.
  • Order your seed catalogs.
  • Make a list of needed repairs on garden tools and equipment. Repair or have them repaired after the holidays.
  • Shop around for garden products for your favorite gardener.
  • If frigid weather occurs, be cautious when covering shrubs. Cover only with burlap or white plastic.
  • Keep your cut Christmas tree in water throughout the holiday season.
  • Order fruit trees and grape vines for February or March planting, if not already done.
  • Visit the Extension Center for information on the holiday house plants like Poinsettia and Amaryllis.