Gardening Tips for November

Tropical and Sub-Tropical Gardens

States in the region:

Hawaii, Florida (Southern), Texas (Southern), Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
and other U.S. Territories

Grow orchids. These gorgeous plants aren't just for the advanced gardener, and a frost-free climate is perfect for producing lots of exotic blooms - provided you choose the right species and give your plant the proper growing conditions.
Fill your empty trellis or outdoor screen with Lonicera sempervirens (trumpet honeysuckle). This North American native vine blooms year-round in frost-free zones, climbs by twining and is drought-tolerant. Its lovely coral-red flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Check your irrigation system and timers to make sure they're in excellent working order. Perform routine maintenance to ensure efficient operation. Cut turf and branches away from sprinkler heads, check rain cut-off switches, fix any leaks or breaks, and unclog heads. Inspect your drip system or low flow heads for blockages, algae or damage as well.
Grow a salad - plant lettuce. Extend your harvest season by planting successively throughout the growing season for a continuous supply of leafy greens.
Plant other veggies every 2 weeks through February for a continual harvest of fresh, homegrown produce. (This technique, called successive planting, works particularly well with sweet corn, radishes and beans.)
Harvest citrus as it ripens - many varieties don't store well on the tree, and excess, old fruit can inhibit growth and the development of blooms for next year's harvest. (Most varieties are ripe when the fruit releases easily from the branch with a flick of the wrist. Harvest easy-to-peel-types by clipping to avoid damage to the fruit skin.)
Offer water to local wildlife - the dry season affects them, too! One of the most important components of a landscape that attracts wildlife is a water feature. Remember, water is a precious resource, so install features that use water wisely. Keep them clean and replenish only as needed.
Plant container-grown roses. Look for roses promoted as being disease-resistant to problems like black spot - you'll be thankful you did.
Replenish depleted mulch around plants to maintain necessary moisture during the dry months ahead - 1-2 inches of organic mulch is all that's needed. Avoid "mulch volcanoes" by keeping mulch a few inches away from the crown or trunks of plants.
Save money on mulch by recycling your yard waste for instant "homegrown" material.
Be on the lookout for weeds in St. Augustine grass. Treat your weed-infested lawn with a broad-leaved herbicide (aka weed killer), carefully following all label directions and when air temperatures are below 80 degrees F.

Keep an eye on your turf for lawn diseases and fungal problems (like brown patch). Help avoid disease issues by watering your turf during the early hours of the day, and avoid watering as evening approaches.
Plan your Thanksgiving Day menu with a little winter squash. Butternut and acorn squash are traditional holiday additions - and are even good for you! Roasted squash is an easy and tasty way to get more of this healthful veggie into your family's diet.
Force paper whites for holiday enjoyment. Blooming paper white bulbs are known for their intoxicating fragrance, especially during the winter holidays. If you'd like to enjoy them in December, now's the time to get started!
Make a pinecone bird feeder with the kids and grandchildren: Just roll pinecones in peanut butter and birdseed. Hang the finished ornaments with rustic twine or ribbon in shrubs and trees near windows and seating areas for quiet observation and enjoyment.
Come to The Garden Party and share your gardening adventures with other home gardeners in your region, as well as around the country. Post pictures of your garden, write a blog, or ask expert green thumbs for more help, tips or suggestions on how to enhance your outdoor living experience.