November Yard Checklist: Last-Minute Garden Prep Before Winter Hits

November Garden Checklist for Georgina: Winter Prep Time!

As the days get shorter and frost paints the morning landscape, November is the last call for essential garden tasks in Georgina's growing zone 5. With winter around the corner, you’ll want to give your yard and garden some TLC to ensure a healthy, vibrant start next spring. Here’s what to tackle in the garden this month to put it to bed properly.

 

1. Protect Fruit Trees and Other Trees

• Install Tree Collars: If you’ve got fruit trees, a plastic tree collar is essential to protect the trunks from hungry critters and harsh winter winds. Wrap the collars around the trunks, making sure they’re snug but not so tight they restrict growth. You might also want to protect other trees that critters find tasty such as Purpleleaf Sandcherry, Serviceberry, Burning bush, Forsythia, etc.
• Guard Against Frost Damage: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of young trees, especially fruit and ornamental trees, to insulate their roots and to keep them frozen all winter long.

 

2. Wrap Tender Shrubs and Trees in Burlap

• Burlap wrapping protects tender shrubs like Japanese Maples and Rhododendrons from drying winds, ice, and snow. Wrap loosely, using stakes and twine to secure, leaving room for airflow to reduce mould and rot.
• This step is key for plants that might struggle with fluctuating winter temperatures and can make all the difference in helping delicate plants (such as Japanese Maples, Rhododendrons, roses, Magnolias, etc.) survive unpredictable winter weather.

3. Wrap Evergreens in Burlap or Mesh for Snow Protection

• Heavy snow and ice can weigh down evergreen branches, causing them to bend or even snap. To protect them, wrap a couple layers of burlap or mesh around your evergreens, securing it with twine. This will keep the branches in place and offer a buffer against snow buildup, while still allowing airflow. Be sure to remove the wrap in early spring once the threat of heavy snow has passed.

 

4. Cut Back Perennials and Summer/Fall Blooming Shrubs

• Perennials: Trim back any remaining perennials to about 3-4 inches above ground level. This tidies up the garden and helps prevent disease and pests from overwintering in dead foliage.
• Shrubs: For shrubs that bloomed in the summer or fall, like hydrangeas (those that don’t bloom on old wood), lightly cut them back to shape and remove any damaged branches.

 

5. Dig Up Summer-Flowering Bulbs

• If you’ve got dahlias, gladiolus, cannas, or other tender bulbs, it’s time to dig them up. Gently lift the bulbs from the soil, brush off excess dirt, and let them dry in a cool, well-ventilated area. Once dry, pack them in a box with peat moss or sawdust and store them in a dark, cool place for the winter.

 

6. Mulch or Compost Your Leaves

• Instead of bagging leaves and sending them away, turn them into garden gold by composting or using them as mulch. Shred them first, if possible, to help them break down more quickly. Spread the leaves over garden beds as a cozy blanket, adding nutrients and protecting soil from erosion. This also helps to keep beneficial insects in your lawn and garden, it gives them somewhere warm and cozy to overwinter.
• If you’re composting, add a balanced mix of green (leafy) and brown (woody) materials to keep your compost active even through the winter chill.

 

7. Finish Harvesting Remaining Vegetables and Fruit

• Don’t leave anything to chance! Go through your veggie patch and fruit trees to pick any stragglers left behind. For root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, you can leave them in the ground with a thick layer of mulch for a bit longer, but bring them in before the ground freezes solid.

 

8. Winterize Your Roses

• Give your roses a fighting chance by protecting them from the cold. Prune them lightly, mound soil around the base and as high up as you can. You can cover the entire shrub with burlap or a rose cone if you would like to. Hybrid teas, grandifloras, and floribundas will especially appreciate this extra love.

 

9. Empty Containers and Pots

• Terracotta, ceramic, and concrete pots can crack if left out in the cold with soil in them. Empty them, rinse them out, and store them in a sheltered place like a garage or basement for the winter. For any frost-resistant planters you leave outside, make sure they’re clear of soil to reduce pressure from expanding ice.

 

10. Put Up Outdoor Christmas Lights

• A little early holiday cheer never hurt anyone! It’s much easier (and warmer) to hang your outdoor lights in November than it is in December when temperatures drop further. Just make sure the cords are secured away from walkways, and be mindful of the surrounding plants and shrubs.

 

11. Give Your Grass a Final Trim

• If your lawn still looks a bit shaggy, mow it one last time to keep it at around 2 to 2.5 inches. A tidy lawn helps prevent disease and mold from forming in the winter months. Avoid cutting too short, as this could stress the grass and leave it vulnerable to winter damage.

 

12. Overseed and Fertilize Your Lawn

• Overseed: Adding fresh seed can fill in any bare patches and keep your lawn looking lush come spring. Rake lightly to help seeds make contact with the soil, and water well if needed.
• Fertilize: Use a fall-specific fertilizer to nourish the lawn before winter dormancy. This helps roots stay strong during the cold and gives them a head start in spring. Just be sure to apply evenly and according to package directions.

13. Add Manure or Compost to Your Gardens

• Give your garden a nutrient boost by adding a layer of compost or well-aged manure. This organic layer will slowly break down over winter, feeding the soil and providing a rich start for next year’s plants. Spread it around flower beds, vegetable gardens, and even under trees and shrubs.

 

14. Water Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials Before Freeze

• A thorough, deep watering before the ground freezes can make a big difference for your trees, shrubs, and perennials. Winter can be drying, and this last drink helps plants stay hydrated through the freeze. Water around the root zones, soaking well to allow water to penetrate deep into the soil. This step is especially important for evergreens, which lose moisture from their needles over winter.

 

So, there you have it, with all these tasks completed, your garden and yard will be primed for winter survival and a thriving spring comeback. After all the hard work, take a step back, enjoy the cozy indoors, and dream about the spring blooms waiting on the other side of winter!

Happy gardening!