Annuals: Finish planting any annuals not completed in October, and make sure they are getting sufficient water.
Turf: Warm season grasses grown in this area are likely to become completely dormant by the end of November. Use the lawn mower to chop up fallen leaves and leave off the bagger! This free fertilizer will benefit the turf and the trees. Determine if the mower needs maintenance prior to storing it for the winter. If repairs are needed, winter is a good time to take it to the small engine repair shop; business is much slower. Beat the spring rush, and relax for the season!
Perennials: Resist the temptation to cut back any perennials that are going dormant unless they are completely brown and dry. Cutting into foliage that is still wet and green can allow diseases to enter the plant. Lantana and verbena should not be cut back at all in the fall. Both of these plants have hollow stems; cutting them allows water to get inside the plant. Wait until new growth emerges in the spring to prune these two plants back. Clean and store any outdoor terra cotta pots.
Roses: Do not fertilize roses this time of year. Continue to water recently transplanted roses.
Shrubs: November is still a good month to plant and transplant shrubs. Mulch around shrubs to a depth of three inches, keeping mulch off the trunk. Water regularly while roots are getting established. Winter winds dry out plants just as they do our skin. Newly planted shrubs need water even during periods of cooler temperatures. If the forecast is for freezing temperatures, make a point of watering prior to the freeze. Plants are better able to withstand freezing temperatures when they have plenty of water in their cell tissues. Do not prune now.
Trees: Fallen leaves are a treasure trove of free fertilizer and mulch for your plants. Use the lawn mower to chop them into smaller pieces and leave on the lawn; or use the leaves in the compost bin. They also make excellent mulch in flower beds. They add organic matter to the soil, improve drainage, and encourage good microbes. Thinking about adding new trees to your landscape? The Division of Forestry and Beautification has an excellent brochure called The Urban Tree Species Guide listing good tree choices to plant in the Columbia area including information on the mature sizes of trees, features of trees, how to plant, site considerations and more. Contact the Division of Forestry and Beautification at (803) 545-3860 to request your free brochure.
