Thanks to this year's incredibly moderate temperatures for late fall and early winter, one of my oft-used GardenLine "rules to live by" is very appropriate for this week's blog post.
The rule: It's never too late to do the right thing!!!
First, this is by no means an "absolute" rule. There are exceptions that should be discussed on a case-by-case basis to make sure it applies. And if you think your situation needs a closer examination, don't hesitate to call the GardenLine show this weekend at 713-212-KTRH (5874).
Meanwhile, here's a top 10 list of items that it's not too late to do.
- Winterizing the Yard (Fall Feeding): Most winterizers become relatively worthless if the soil temperature gets too cool. That usually takes a couple of weeks of consistent 40s overnight or a few nights in the 30s. We haven't even come close to those temperatures this year. Translation: if you haven't done your lawn's winterizer/fall feeding, get it done today.
- Pre-emergent Herbicides: Even if we had the aforementioned cooler nights, it still would not be too late to do the right thing when it comes to pre-emergents. However, it's also worth noting that if they weren't applied by Nov. 1, they won't provide 100 percent prevention. Translation: If you put down pre-emergent herbicides today, don't be surprised if you get some weeds in late December.
- Fungicide Control: Normally, when daytime temperatures get consistently below 80 degrees and nighttime temps are steadily below the 60s, we seldom have to worry about brownpatch or diseases like it. Unfortunately, we haven't reached those points steadily yet this year. Translation: If you've seen a flare-up, treat it, because some 80 degree days are coming again.
- Top Dressing with Compost: I've been known to say, "I wouldn't do it when it's freezing or below, or when it's 100 and above." We haven't been close to any of those temperature extremes. This rule, however, is different from top-dressing in general. If you have a top-dressing with compost, do it now. But top-dressing with a soil-sand mix is usually best put off until April, May and June.
- Dormant Oil Spray/Horticultural Oils: Actually, "Is it too early?"
- Pruning Trees: We are in the heart of the dormant season! Enough said!!!
- Deep Root Feeding of Trees: While the leaves may be dormant, the roots still need TLC.
- Planting Cool-season Annuals: You can plant season-specific annuals for two more months. And they will carry you through to the first warm-up next spring.
- Pruning Hibiscus: First, it makes them easier to cover on really cold nights. Secondly, remember that pruning several times in a year is actually good for hibiscus.
- Putting Out Mulch: There is never a time that's too cold or too hot to put down more mulch.
