Putting a grand finale on the growing season, leaves turn to crimson, gold, and orange, dropping to the ground around the time of the first fall frost.  Which most of us have seen by now!  Although light frosts might show up even earlier in low-lying areas, the first killing frost generally arrives in early to mid-November in some areas. When frosts arrive later than usual, leaves on some trees may change color slowly and linger, making the most of the weather. 

As the holiday season begins, below are a few gardening tips to get you through the cooler days of fall into the colder days of winter…

Indoor Gardening

Plant paperwhite narcissus in pots for Christmas and January blooming.  Look for two-nosed bulbs, which produce twice as many flowers as single-nosed bulbs.  

Check houseplants regularly for insect and disease problems.  Treat promptly to prevent spread.

Woody Plants

Fertilize fully dormant deciduous trees that have been growing too slowly, showing poor leaf color, or struggling in infertile soils.  If unsightly, deadhead and touch-up and prune summer and fall blooming trees and shrubs.

Water dogwoods, broad-leaved evergreens, and newly planted trees thoroughly before ground freezes.

Add a layer of manure or organic fertilizer to hasten compost pile decomposition.

Lawns

Continue to mow and water new grass.  

Fertilize cool-season lawns after the first freeze to promote root growth during winter months.  Follow your “Green Grass” report recommendations.

Flowers

Plant early-spring flowering bulbs, as well as later blooming lilies and flowering onions.

Clean up and destroy all diseased fallen rose leaves and debris surrounding shrubs.  Mound 10” to 12” of extra dirt around the base of roses to prevent winter damage.  Clean perennial beds, dispose of diseased leaves.  Remove and compost spent annuals, roots and all.

Kitchen Garden

Harvest green onions, lettuce, and spinach.  Brussels sprouts, collards, kale, carrots, and parsnips can linger, getting sweeter with exposure to a little frost.  

In the vegetable garden:  Pull and compost spent crops.  Prepare for spring planting; dig deep; enrich soil with compost and strawy manure. Plant a cover crop.

 Around the Yard

Weed, shape, and edge beds.

Update garden records.  Record successes and failures, gaps in planting, favorite varieties, flowering and foliage combinations, planting and landscaping changes to be made this fall or in early spring.

Prepare storage areas for overwintering tender flower bulbs and garden produce.

Clean gutters and downspouts.  Turn off outside water; drain hoses.  Empty gasoline in engines and fuel lines.  Store leftover chemicals where they cannot freeze.