NOVEMBER ...................................Average Temp: 57 - Average Rainfall: 6.4

PLANT trees and shrubs now to allow time for roots to become acclimated before next Summer's heat and drought conditions begin. Think of the savings in water if you plant now and take advantage of Winter's cooler, wetter weather! Here's how to plant bare rooted trees: Dig a hole approximately 2 fee1 wider and 2 feet deeper than the root system. Place good soil and cottonseed meal in bottom of hole mixing and adding so that when tree roots are placed in the hole and the hole is backfilled with good soil the tree trunk at ground level is about the same as before transplanting. Water in well, let drain and water again. Good contact between roots and soil prevents harmful air pockets. Trees purchased in pot~ or wrapped in burlap should receive similar soil mixture and watered in. Note the condition of the ro01 system (if in pot). Roots may need to be gently loosened if in a tight spiral. Handle roots with care; de not allow to dry out. Shrubs are planted similarly, except almost always roots of azaleas should be loosened or pruned to allow for outward growth. If all dirt is washed from azalea roots, instead of digging a hole, work up the top 4-5 inches of soil, gently spread the azalea roots over a mounded aree and pull good potting soil over the roots, tamping down. Repeat until roots are under a few inches of soil. Water well. I have planted roses in Fall and in Spring and there seems to be no significant difference in production. You decide. Camellias are so lovely in our city residential areas. Several home plantscapes include collections of early and late varieties so that blooming period extends from November through April. Another lovely plant very underutilized here is the oak leaf hydrangea. Its large oak shaped leaves partially conceal white flower clusters in early Spring. It prefers partial shade. You may continue to plant/transplant bulbs if not completed in October. Refrigerate tulips. Buy early, mid and late bloomers to extend season. Mark them accordingly.

ROSES need to be" put to bed". Mulch up to and including the graft union ball for the winter. (Pull back in Spring). Do not prune before Valentine's Day
.
SOIL CONDITIONING may be done now.
 
COMPOST is the very best and cheapest additive to your Spring garden. Leaves mulched now with thE mower and raked into compost pile can turn to "gardener's gold" in a few months

For organic maintenance, see Howard Grant, the Dirt Doctor at http://www.dirtdoctor.com