Tulsa Master Gardeners Nov Tips

NOVEMBER

Ornamentals, Trees, Shrubs

• Just after frost before freezing weather is a good time to fertilize trees (including fruit and nut), shrubs and vines. Both spring and fall are good times to fertilize most plants. One may split the recommended application dose and apply both fall and spring. See our fertilizer section.
• November 15 to March 15 constitutes our major pruning season. See OSU Pub. 6409 – Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.
• Prepare the landscape for winter. See OSU Pub. 6404 – Winter Protection of Landscape Plants..
• Scale, mites, galls, overwintering aphids, and other insects can be a serious problem of many woody ornamental and fruit plants. Apply horticultural oil sprays in “dormant” concentrations when the temperature is above 40 degrees F. in late fall and winter. Do not use “dormant” oils on evergreens. See OSU Pub. 7306 – Ornamental and Lawn Pest Control for control.

Turfgrass

• Mow cool season grasses at 2 1/2 inches. Mowing should be frequent enough to remove not more than one-third of the leaf blade per cutting.
• Water mature grass to wet soil 4-6 inches deep when footprint impressions remain after walking over lawn.
• In late November, Fertilize cool season lawns with one pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet.
• Control broadleaf weeds in well established warm or cool-season lawns with a post-emergent broadleaf weed killer. See OSU Pub. 6421 – Controlling Weeds in Home Lawns.
• November and December is the best time to control chickweed, dandelion, and henbit. Most trees and shrubs are less susceptible at this time. However, caution is the watch-word whenever herbicides are applied.

Vegetables

• Please read the label when using pesticides. Verify the use of the chemical for that particular plant. Also note the “days to harvest” waiting period before the vegetable can be harvested and consumed.

Miscellaneous

• Compost annual debris and leaves. Do not compost diseased plant parts.
• Maintain gardening equipment
  • Drain oil and gasoline from power equipment before winter storage.
  • Clean tools.
  • Make necessary repairs.
  • Coat metal surfaces with a thin film of oil to prevent rust.
  • Drain and store water hoses.
  • Wrap hydrants.
• Seal, re-label, and store pesticides properly. A lock can help ensure safety.
• Repair or replace walks, drives and fences.