(HOST) As the days get shorter, commentator Charlie Nardozzi is wrapping up his garden for the winter.
(NARDOZZI) It seems to me the gardening season came to an abrupt halt this fall with colder than normal weather descending on us in October. The killing frost put an end to ripening melons, tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers, although my cool season leeks, broccoli, peas, greens, and root crops are still going strong. The perennial gardens are cut back and tender dahlia, gladiolus, and canna bulbs are dug and stored. However, there are still a few chores that should be done before the real cold weather is upon us. You may be a little tired of the garden and yard, but I promise you some work now will save you lots of anguish next spring.
The spring flowering bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils should all be planted by now, but it’s not too late to force some bulbs for an indoor bloom in late winter. Fill a shallow plastic pot with potting soil and plant tulips, daffodils, hyacinths or crocuses barely toughing each other. Water well and cover the container with a plastic bag with a few holes poked in it. Place the pot in a cool (40 to 50 degree F) location, such as a basement, shed, or even the refrigerator, to chill for 3 to 4 months. By February, bring the container out into the warm house and watch the bulbs grow and bloom.
Trees and shrubs will need some protection going into the winter from hungry creatures. Voles and mice love to eat the tender bark of young fruit trees and bushes. Place tree guards and wraps around newly planted trees and shrubs. Deer love to nibble on the tender shoots of trees and shrubs. They particularly like yews, cedars, and blueberries. Protect individual plants with mesh netting or get smart with your deer. They’re creatures of habit. Look where they like to travel and construct some mesh fencing to disrupt their normal pathways. They may end up just going somewhere else for lunch this winter.
Tender perennials, such as lavender and some roses, will need some protection, too. Hybrid tea and floribunda roses should get a 5-gallon bucket full of shredded bark mulch poured over them for Thanksgiving. The bark mulch protects the canes and crown from the winter’s cold, but doesn’t cause the canes to rot. Wait until after a few hard freezes when the mice and voles have found other winter homes. If you mulch too early, these rodents will move in, set up winter residence and munch on your plants all winter long. Landscape roses, such as the Knock Out series, rugosa roses, and many heirloom varieties won’t need protection. However, tender climbing roses may need to be wrapped in burlap to survive the winter.
So spend a little time on a balmy late fall day to do a few last garden chores. You’ll be rewarded with fewer problems next spring.
(TAG) You can find more commentaries by Charlie Nardozzi on line at VPR-dot-net.