ArtCentrics


November Monthly Update

Hot Topic

Frost protection - Remember to protect your frost sensitive plants as we get into the cool season. Spraying the foliage with liquid seaweed solution will give you approximately 4 degrees of frost protection. I use a light weight garden fabric to protect from frost, but you can also use sheets, cardboard, and newspaper. Just remember that fabric covers need to be suspended above the plant and not touching the plant. Mulch also helps to protect the root system and keep it warm.

Do List

  • Reduce frequency of watering for trees and shrubs, but continue to water deeply.
  • Prune trees of dead and damaged wood.
  • Mulch any bare soil in your vegetable garden and make sure the soil drains well and is allowed to dry before watering again. Roots only grow in dry soil.
  • Prune
    • Trim spent flower stalks and seed heads.
    • Remove dead limbs from trees before the leaves fall.
  • Fertilize
    • Use earthworm castings for indoor plant fertilizing and on your bulbs, annuals and perennials.
  • Pest Control
    • Check for nematodes (knots on roots) and treat soil with bio-stimulants, molasses, compost and citrus pulp.
    • Treat aphids and spider mites with mild soap and seaweed spray.

Don’t List

  • Don’t forget to check for aphids in the garden. Use soapy water in a spray bottle to control them.
  • Don’t water the lawn when it’s dark.
  • Do not fertilize frost-tender plants like citrus.
  • Don’t procrastinate about preparing for cold weather. Toward the end of November we can get frost, and your garden will be at risk if you don’t cover tender plants, flowers and vegetables.
  • Don’t ignore weeds.

Planting

Note: White font listed items identify "Ideal" planting time items
Note: Plant early in November for fastest propagation due to warmer temperatures.
  • Vegetables
    • Seeds
      • Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chard, Collards, Corn, Cucumbers, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard greens, Onions, Green onions, Parsnips, Peas, Radish, Spinach, Turnips
    • Transplants
      • Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower,Chard, and Lettuce
  • Herbs
    • Anise, Borage, Catnip, Calendula, Chamomile, Chervil, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Fennel, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Savory.
  • Flowers
    • African Daisies, Alyssum, Bachelor Button, Bells of Ireland, Calendula, California Poppy, Candytuft, Carnation, Clarkia, Delphinium, Forget-Me-Not, Gaillardia, Godetia, Gypsophila,  Larkspur, Lupines, Nicotiana, Pansy, Petunia, Phlox, Pinks, Poppy, Salpiglossis, Scabiosa, Snapdragon, Sweet Peas, Sweet Sultan, Sweet William, Verbena, Viola
  • Fruit
    • Pineapple Guava, Strawberry

Recipes of the Month

  • Vegetarian Chili w/Tempeh – Tempeh is a fermented whole bean soy product (higher in protein, fiber & vitamins). You can find it in the refrigerated or frozen section of your market. This is a great warm meal for the winter months. Canned Anasazi beans are hard to find, but you can find dry beans and cook as directed, or just substitute with another black or red canned bean.