Gardeners Checklist: Here Is What To Do the Week of Nov. 1

By Ron Kujawski

A friend just asked what my predictions were for the weather this coming winter. If I could answer such questions, I’d be the most hallowed employee of the U.S. Weather Service. As it is, I’m not even hallowed in my own family. Though I won’t make any predictions, I will make preparations for winter. These include:

• Survey all trees for dead or damaged branches. This should be done ASAP since such branches could easily break free under the weight of snow or ice and do serious damage to my limbs or those of family and friends who venture beneath the affected trees. High winds which have characterized weather patterns over the past few winters are just as likely to bring down branches. Removing large branches, especially those high into the tree, can be a very dangerous task. It is not a job for amateurs. Hire an insured and certified arborist to do it.

• Gather pine boughs, shredded leaves, or pine needles to use as mulch over herbaceous perennials in flower borders. I will sometimes cut down the stems of tall ornamental grasses and use these as mulch. Mulches should not be applied until the ground begins to freeze. The purpose of the mulch is to keep the ground frozen through the winter. Otherwise, the cyclic freezing/thawing of soil in winter can cause shallow-rooted perennials to heave out of the ground, exposing their roots to cold injury. Roots are much more sensitive to cold than are above ground parts of plants. 

• Rake leaves from lawns to prevent matting of the leaves under winter snows. Matted leaves can suffocate grass plants.

• Sift compost through a screen made with half-inch wire mesh (also called hardware cloth) and store the compost in the basement or someplace where it will not freeze. Use the compost as an ingredient for making potting mixes this winter. Also, dig up and screen some top soil to include in potting mixes.

• Get a supply of sand to use on icy driveways and walkways. Sand is a good alternative to de-icing salts, which may damage plants adjacent to walks and driveways. De-icing salts can also contaminate wells.

• Drain hoses and bring them indoors. It’s quite a feat to try and roll up a frozen hose, though it can be very entertaining for bystanders who may be watching.

• Check houseplants for evidence of pest infestations. I’ve begun to notice that many of our potted herbs that had been outdoors this summer are now heavily infested with spider mite. Mealy bugs and aphids are a couple of insects that are likely to appear on houseplants now. To rid plants of these pests, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Even though these are environmentally safe pesticides to use, they may be damaging to some plants. Always check the product label for information on what plants and pests these materials can be used on, and be sure to follow the specific instructions for application. 

Ron Kujawski began gardening at an early age on his family's onion farm in upstate New York. Although now retired, he spent most of his career teaching at the UMass Extension Service. He serves on Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Horticulture Advisory Committee. His book, Week-by-Week Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook, is available here.