THE GARDENER’S HELPER
By:Beth Nardone
Preparing the garden for the cold winter months ahead is the important task for November.
Freezing temperatures, drying winds and hungry wildlife are some of the stresses the plants will have to endure. But with some preparation now, these stresses can be reduced.
New and established plantings will benefit from a layer of mulch. The mulch will keep ground moisture and temperature more even. Spread a three-inch layer of shredded leaves, bark mulch or pine needles around the base of trees and shrubs.
Always keep mulch away from the bark of the plant. Bark is the protective layer of trees and shrubs. When mulch is piled deeply against it, moisture can soften the bark and fungal diseases gain an entry to the plant.
Small rodents such as mice may over-winter there as well and gnaw on the bark. This is a common occurrence on fruit tress. They can be protected with tree guards.
A simple guard can be made with 18-inch hardware cloth formed into a cylinder around the trunk. Sink the guard one inch into the ground to keep the mice from crawling under.
Smaller fruits such as blueberries and raspberries can be mulched easily now to discourage weeds next spring.
Drying winds especially from late winter storms can cause dieback on many broad-leaved evergreens. The winds accelerate the plants’ natural transpiration process, leaving plant tissue without enough moisture to survive.
Azaleas, hollies and rhododendrons are particularly susceptible. By applying an anti-desiccant now the dieback can be prevented.
The anti-desiccant is sprayed onto the leaves of the plant to seal the openings on the leaf surface. The air temperature should be above 40 degrees when it is applied.
Another method is to set up a wind barrier using hardwood stakes and burlap.
As the availability of tender plants diminishes with the heavy frosts, deer will select woody material to sustain them over the winter months. This means that the trees and shrubs in our landscapes will become targets for deer browsing.
The first line of defense is to have planted a deer-resistant landscape. There are many choices in plant material that are not usually favored by the deer. Lists of deer resistant trees and shrubs can be obtained at local nurseries and through Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
Arborvitae and yews are particular favorites of deer. Junipers and spruces with their sharp needles would be an appropriate substitute. Azaleas and rhododendrons prized for their spectacular spring blooms are also delicacies for deer.
Pieris japonica – sometimes called andromeda – or mountain laurel would make nice replacements. Both now are available in compact or dwarf varieties for gardens short on space.
These are just a couple of examples. There are many more which knowledgeable nursery staff or landscapers can suggest.
Sometimes it is not economically feasible to replace an existing landscape with all new material, or there may be a favorite plant that you really want to remain in the garden.
Setting up physical barriers to protect these trees and shrubs is very effective. Deer netting can be draped over individual shrubs and secured to the ground with garden staples or fastened to hardwood stakes to fence off a section of the garden for the season.
When fencing the entire property, keep in mind that the suggested height for keeping deer out is 8 feet. Young trees can be enclosed with a section of garden fencing to keep the twigs out of reach.
Bucks also select smaller trees, usually about 2-inch caliper, to mark their territory during the mating season. They rub their antlers on the trunks, causing considerable damage to the bark. Tree guards can be purchased or handmade to wrap around the trunks. These should be in place early in the month.
Deer repellents are also available to spray on trees and shrubs. Most contain ingredients with odors and/or taste that deer dislike. The newer products contain latex or other sticker agents that help the repellent to adhere to the plant longer.
Most will last for three to four months at this time of the year.
Once all the garden chores for the season are completed spend some time thoroughly cleaning and oiling all your garden tools.
Drain the hoses and water lines. Empty the gas tanks of mowers and gas-powered equipment. Store all liquid pesticides where they will not freeze.
And for those who can’t bear to see the gardening season come to an end, start some colorful bulbs for the holidays. Amaryllis and paperwhite narcissus are available now for forcing.
Both can be found in kits with everything needed to grow these stunning flowers. Amaryllis require eight to 10 weeks until bloom, while paperwhites take only four to six weeks. Both are easy to grow and provide weeks of color to brighten the season.
Botanist Beth Nardone lives in Hillsborough and works as Nursery Manager at the Belle Mead Farmer’s Co-op. You can reach her via e-mail at [email protected].