Date 11/17/2003

The strong winds last week brought down all but the most stubborn 
leaves. In most yards the final leaf clean-up can be accomplished now. 
Mow the grass for the last time if you haven’t done so already. Once 
you 
have mowed for the last time this season a winterizing fertilizer can 
be 
applied. It is actually the most important lawn fertilizer step for the 
year. Apply it anytime from now till the end of the month.

In this area where the soil tends to be acidic, lime should be applied 
to the lawn every couple of years. Fall is an excellent time to spread 
lime. With the freeze and thaw cycle typical of our winters the lime 
will be drawn down into the soil and start to be effective by next 
year. 
A simple soil pH test will indicate if liming is necessary. Home test 
kits and pH meters can be purchased in most garden centers. And many of 
those establishments will test your soil’s pH for no charge. The result 
of the test will determine how much lime is needed. The recommended 
rate 
is 40 lbs. per 1000 sq. feet to raise the pH a half point.

November is the time to cut back asparagus in the vegetable garden. 
Compost or aged manure should be added to the asparagus bed to prepare 
it for next spring. Since asparagus is a perennial crop this top 
dressing will enrich the soil.

If you had trouble with soil dwelling insects in the vegetable garden 
this year, till the garden now before the ground freezes. Grubs, 
cutworms and other insects in the soil will be brought up to the 
surface. The birds will appreciate the tasty treat. And what the birds 
don’t eat the cold night temperatures will usually kill off. Compost or 
aged manure can be added when you till.

Last spring many of the broad-leaved evergreens showed signs of winter 
injury. Browned leaves and branch die-back are typical symptoms. The 
dead tissue is the result of moisture loss from winter winds. To 
prevent 
the injury this year put up burlap screening around boxwoods, hollies 
and rhododendrons that are sited in windy locations. An anti-desiccant 
such as Wilt Pruf can also be used. Anti-desiccants are sprayed 
directly 
on the leaves to prevent moisture loss. Apply the product when the 
temperature is above 40 degrees. It will offer protection for several 
months.

Tree guards should be in place on young trees. Fruit trees need guards 
around the base of the trunk to protect them from nibbling rodents. The 
guards should be 18 inches high and set an inch into the ground if 
possible. To prevent frost cracking on young trees, especially maples, 
peaches and cherries, use guards that are at least four feet high. The 
vinyl wraps are best and they will also provide protection from deer 
rubbing.

If you plan to purchase a live Christmas tree this year, prepare the 
planting area now while the ground is not frozen. Dig the soil up 
approximately the size of the root ball. Keep the soil in a place where 
it will not freeze, such as the garage. Cover or block off the hole to 
prevent anyone from accidentally falling. Plan to keep the tree indoors 
for no more than a week.

Once the outside chores are completed take care of your garden tools 
and 
equipment. Clean tools thoroughly and oil them before putting them 
away. 
Sharpen pruners and blades as necessary. Drain gas from mowers and 
other 
power tools. It’s a good time to send the riding equipment to the shop 
for maintenance. Once you have finished using hoses for the season 
drain 
them, then store them out of the cold. Drain and shut off the water 
lines.

Remember to feed the birds. Feeding the birds during the colder months 
encourages them to frequent your yard all year long. Birds consume a 
lot 
of weed seeds and insects during the gardening season. But during the 
winter season the food supply is not as abundant. Put out feeders for 
seed and suet. Black oil sunflower seed is nutritionally best for most 
birds during the winter months. A blended seed mix high in black oil 
sunflower will attract a variety of birds. There are also finch mixes 
of 
the tiny seeds that small finches prefer. Hang or pole mount feeders in 
a location that is near a hedgerow, group of bushes or row or 
evergreens. The birds need a shelter nearby to fly to when they sense 
danger.

Beth Nardone, botanist, is a resident of Hillsborough and is the 
Nursery 
Manager at the Belle Mead Co-Op. Questions and comments can be sent to 
bethtanical@patmedia.net