Garden Tips for November

Autumn is here in full swing! Take care of your garden with these Fall season garden tips.

 

Control ants by caulking cracks and other points of entry to your home. Ant baits can be effective; ants are attracted to the bait and then carry a small portion back to the nest where it will kill the colony. Boric acid and Fipronil baits are most effective.

Stylar end rot usually effects Persian limes but can affect other limes and lemons as well. Depressed areas will appear leathery and dry. You will notice a sunken patch at the stylar tip (end) of the fruit that will start out looking like a water-soaked, whitish area. It can cover ¼ to ½ of the fruit. Inside tissue will become pinkish or brown. You can pick fruit before it fully matures to cut losses. Extremely high temperature can bring it on.

Powdery Mildew on apple trees appears as a powdery white substance on leaves and shoots.  New growth can be distorted and/or stunted.  

 

Termites are small white, tan or black insects that can cause severe destruction to wooden structures. Signs of infestation include swarming of winged forms in fall and spring and evidence of tunneling in the wood. Complete inspection and control may require trained professionals.  For detailed information, go to:  www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7415.html.

Fall is time to replace worn out plants and shrubs. Larger plants such as perennials and shrubs put down their roots in the winter when temperatures are mild and rain water is available. Newly planted shrubs will need supplemental summer watering during their first few years.

Plant bulbs now for a beautiful spring show. Plant bulbs in well-draining soil. For each bulb, dig a hole three inches deep, mix a tablespoon of fertilizer (high in phosphorus and potassium) in the bottom of each hole, then place the bulb (stem side up) and cover with soil. Thoroughly soak the area after planting.

For our complete list of November Gardening Tips, click on:  http://www.mastergardeners.org/tips/november.html