By Blake Jackson
Benjamin Franklin’s timeless saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is an ideal motto for gardeners as November arrives.
According to University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein, this is the perfect time for gardeners to wrap up the current season and prepare for the next. He noted that the success of next year’s garden depends greatly on the quality of fall cleanup done now.
“Garden cleanup does more than just improve the appearance of the garden during the mundane, lifeless months of winter,” Trinklein explained. “It reduces the amount of disease inoculum and insect infestation that might remain.” As he emphasized, prevention is always the best remedy for plant-related issues.
Trinklein offered several tips to ensure a healthy and productive garden next season. Start by removing all plant debris, including annual flowers and vegetables. Compost healthy material, but discard any plants showing signs of disease or insect damage.
“When in doubt, throw it out,” Trinklein advised. Cut back herbaceous perennials to their crowns once they become dormant, usually after the first hard freeze.
After several hard freezes, mulch tender perennials such as roses to protect them from winter’s harsh conditions. Removing weeds is also crucial to reducing next year’s weed growth.
Trinklein suggested careful hand or mechanical weeding or using nonselective herbicides like glyphosate. Trinklein warned that “post-emergence herbicides applied in cool weather take longer to work.”
Weeds like pigweed can produce up to 600,000 seeds, so they should be bagged and removed carefully to prevent spreading. Gardeners should also test their soil if it hasn’t been done recently and enhance it with well-rotted manure or organic matter. Adding limestone or slow-release fertilizers can further enrich the soil.
Before winter sets in, Trinklein recommended draining irrigation lines, cleaning and oiling tools, and storing hoses indoors. Mowers and tillers should be winterized following manufacturer instructions.
Trinklein encouraged gardeners to “think spring,” reminding them that “winter is only 90 days long.” Reviewing this year’s garden successes and challenges now can make for better planning during those “cabin-crazed snow days.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-joshua-resnick
Categories: Missouri, General