November: Tie In Long Rose Canes

Tie down climbing rose canes to protect them from cold winds. And if you tie the flexible canes roses in a horizontal arc along a fence or trellis, it will trigger the greater bud break leading to many more blossoms…

October: Leaves on the Lawn

Don’t rake the fallen leaves off your lawn and don’t leave them as wet masses of whole leaves.  Run over them with your lawn mower to chop them up and allow the small pieces to remain on the lawn.  They…

October: Preparing Your Vegetable Garden For Winter

Add organic matter to your vegetable garden to restore the nutrients that this summer’s crops have absorbed.  Remove all crop residue and weeds.  Once the soil surface is clear, layer on the organic matter – chopped leaves, compost, manure –…

October: What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas

It may be tempting to transport leaves from your city garden to your cottage garden or vice versa but resist the temptation.  Transporting leaves from one location to another may also transport a disease or pest that exists in one…

October: Keep Caring for Your Lawn

Keep cutting and watering your lawn as long as it continues to grow, most likely until early November. Aerating, dethatching, and adding fertilizer now will give your lawn a headstart next spring.…

October: Cutting Back Perennials

Cutting back your perennials in the fall or in the spring is a personal choice.  Consider cutting back only those whose foliage and seed heads don’t contribute to the beauty of your garden.  When you do cut back, cut back…

October: Plant Garlic

Plant garlic in early October, in a sunny spot with loose, crumbly soil. Over the rest of the fall, the garlic clove will develop roots. The garlic bulbs will be ready to harvest next July or August.  …

October: Storing Dahlias

Dahlia tubers can be kept over the winter for use next spring if stored in the proper conditions – a dry, cool place (5-10 C).  Store them in a container which will allow ventilation.  Line the bottom with a layer…