Even though the cold weather has arrived, there are still lots of things necessary to prepare the garden for winter. The cold wind and frosty ground point the way for landscape chores and maintenance that will enhance your garden beds in the more temperate months.

This month we are providing a checklist of things to do in the outdoor landscape.

PLANT
Evergreens until mid month
Deciduous trees and shrubs
Tulips, daffodil and lily bulbs until ground freezes
Pot hardy spring bulbs for forcing indoors.

PRUNE
Prune and thin plants to enhance plant form and reduce wind resistance.
Prune summer and fall blooming trees and shrubs when fully dormant.
Limit pruning of early spring flowering trees and shrubs to removal of dead or awkward looking branches. These plants have already set their flower buds for spring.

FERTILIZE
Fertilize deciduous and evergreen trees with 5-10-5 fertilizer when fully dormant. This will promote winter root development.
Fertilize acid loving broadleaf evergreens with slow release granular fertilizer.
Fertilize lawns after first freeze to promote root growth during winter months.

CHORES AND MAINTENANCE
Keep lawns free of fallen leaves, which can smother grass.
Compost leaves and turn the compost pile.
Cut perennial stalks to 4 - 5 inches except for ornamental grasses which provide winter interest.

Mow wildflower areas when seed pods have formed and seeds have scattered.
Leave hardy water lilies and fish in ponds deep enough not to freeze solid.

Trim leaves off water plants and sink pots to deepest part of pond.

Store any garden chemicals where they will not freeze.
Water dogwood, broadleaf evergreens and newly planted trees thoroughly before ground freezes.

Mulch rhododendrons, azalea and laurels with oak leaves.

Protect small plantings including perennials, cuttings and bulbs from frost heave by mulching.

Prune raspberry bushes and fertilize with balanced organic fertilizer or 3 - 4 inches of heavy manure after first heavy frost.

Mulch berry bushes, strawberries and spinach with salt hay to winter over.
Finish preparing beds for spring planting.

Clean up and remove all dead and diseased leaves from roses and debris surrounding shrubs.

Mound 10” - 12” of extra dirt around roses to protect from winter damage.
After ground freezes, mulch roses using wood chips, hay or straw. Spray rose canes with antidesiccant.

Clean up perennial beds and remove diseased leaves from gladiolus, iris and peonies.
Update garden records. Record successes and failures, gaps in planting and favorite varieties. Note flowering combinations and changes to be made this fall or in early spring.
Drain and store garden hoses. Turn off water taps and drain if necessary.

Robin Milliken is a Landscape Specialist and Master Gardener
The Master Gardener appears monthly in The Olathe Daily News.
© H&R Lawn and Landscape

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