Winter may be
right around the corner, but that’s no reason to put your gardening tools into
storage.
November's
cool fall evenings and normally warm sunny days give Central Coast gardeners
one last opportunity to plant vegetables and flowers for the year.
Plant Hearty
Flowers: Plenty of
cool-season flowers are durable enough to withstand heavy rains, near freezing
temperatures and even hot Santa Ana winds--almost anything that Mother Nature
can throw our way this month. Check local nurseries for pansies, primrose,
sweet alyssum, snapdragons, California wildflowers and calendula so they will
be in full bloom in fall and winter. Flowers may last until spring.
Divide
Existing Perennials: Divide
perennials including Shasta daisies, daffodils, callas and yarrow. To divide,
begin digging around the roots at the drip line so there is less chance of root
damage as more roots will remain intact. Replant in well-composted soil and
water generously until roots take hold.
A Vegetable
Garden in November? Yep, gardeners who want fresh vegetables year-round have a
variety of cool-season vegetables to plant in November. Beets, carrots,
radishes, turnips, strawberries, celery, cabbage and broccoli can all be
planted in November and will produce vegetables one to two months after
planting.
Mulch
Gardens:
Mulch is just
as important in fall as it is in spring and summer. Spread a two-inch layer
around gardens, bushes and trees. Weeds use any amount of rain to begin to
grow. The layer of mulch keeps weeds in check. Mulch will also stop
rain-producing mud from splashing onto garden plants. A layer of Harvest Blend Compost is the perfect material to use! Make sure to keep compost a few inches away from plant stems.
Top Dress Lawns:
When done the right way, the technique of
“top-dressing,” or adding a thin layer of compost over lawns, can improve the
soil without harming the existing turf. Top-dressing gradually improves soil
over time. As organic matter breaks down, it filters through the existing soil
to improve texture and overall health.
To learn more about top dressing your lawn with compost (and other compost uses) email our friendly field reps, check out our website or call 805.925.2771
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