Another growing season is coming to a close and Dave Decock hosts the final edition of Plant Talk and we talk about getting ready for winter! Dave is a retired horticulturalist who has seen just about anything when it comes to growing, pruning, mowing or shooing away pests!
As the final growing season edition of Plant Talk is ready to launch – frost is in the forecast, so it’s time to get make those final rounds in the garden. Dave Decock provides some advice to those who are wondering about putting their greens to bed before winter rolls into the Upper Midwest.
LAWNS:
What should be done with your lawn in the fall?
1. Leaves. If you have a light to medium amount of leaves, you can easily mulch them into your yard as you transition from mowing to snow blowing. They are mostly carbon and won’t fertilize your lawn, but they will help loosen the soil so your grass can root in the Spring. If you have a large number of leaves, best to rake so you don’t choke out the grass before the winter hits.
2. Mow at a regular height. No need to go too tall and you want to watch out for leaving a nesting ground for voles. 2 and half inches should work nicely.
3. Save some leaves and grass clippings in bags (or loose) to insulate around less hearty perennials. The bags help keep the wind from freezing the plant.
TREES:
Now is the time to make sure trees are ready for the winter. A little help and clean up now will prevent disaster during the winter.
1. Newer trees should be protected. Wrapping a newer tree with those plastic protectors will help keep rabbits from chewing the bark off the base. But remember, the bunnies can get anywhere that the snow height reaches – so be prepared to add another layer if we get a large pile of snow this year.
2. Trimming branches that are dead or damaged. Now is not the time for pruning, but getting rid of limbs that may damage other parts of the tree would be a good idea. Wind whips like crazy during the winter and the added weight could cause a branch to take out other healthy branches.
3. Normally we water in evergreen trees really well, but with how wet September has been, you should be good, Only consider watering in an evergreen if it is sheltered and hasn’t had the benefit of the massive amount of rain in our area.
PLANTS:
This one is simple. It’s time to stop growing and start storing.
1. Potted plants outdoors can be brought in – but remember this – if you are bringing in a plant that will end up in a cooler area, they won’t require as much water. Those who are storing plants in a heated garage or shed kept around 50-ish degrees will not need to water often.
2. Consider a grow light. Plants need sunlight and the best alternative when we don’t get much light in the winter is a timed grow light that mimics the sun’s activity in the summer. A simple setup is low cost and can be fairly hands off with the right equipment.
Dave will be back on Thursday, December 5th for a HOLIDAY EDITION of Plant Talk. Tune into It Takes Two with Amy and JJ for everything you need to know about keeping a Christmas tree healthy, poinsettia tips and more!
ADDITIONAL EPISODES:
KFGO Podcast –
Plant Talk: Cutting Back, Cemetery Care and more
KFGO Podcast –
Plant Talk: When to Harvest, Parsnip Problems and more!
KFGO Podcast –
Plant Talk: Post Labor Day Lawn and Garden Care
KFGO Podcast –
Plant Talk: Bringing Grass Back from the Dead and more
KFGO Podcast –
Plant Talk: Trimming Trees, Moving Lilacs & more!
KFGO Podcast –
Plant Talk: Blossom End Rot, Yellow Maple Trees & more!
KFGO Podcast –
Plant Talk: Root Troubles, Burlap Around an Evergreen and More
KFGO Podcast –
Plant Talk: Bugs, Chemical Sprays, Sucker Trees and More
KFGO Podcast –
Hail Damaged Trees, The Right Zone and more!
KFGO Podcast –
Plant Talk: Trees! Lots of Information on Care/Pruning/Choice
(Amy Iler & JJ Gordon are talk-show hosts at 790 AM KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. “It Takes 2 with Amy & JJ” can be heard weekdays 11am-2pm. Check out the show page on
FACEBOOK.
Follow Amy on Twitter
@AmyKFGO
. Follow JJ on Twitter
@JJGodon701
.)
