Think Spring

Not everyone realizes that November is the last chance to have a flowery winter and spring garden. The soil will be cooling off rapidly from now on, and although plantings won’t necessarily die, they won’t get the push they need to start blooming until spring arrives again. In the nurseries, you’ll find at the moment all kinds of goodies such as Iceland poppies, calendulas, stock, pansies, violas, various primroses and cyclamen. And don’t forget to look for wildflower seed to sow now.

Bulbs for spring bloom are halfway through the selling season. That means half are now sold. Still, there should be plenty of good bulbs left from which to choose. Make sure, however, that they are firm and in good condition. A later planting of ranunculus will give later bloom. Keep tulips and hyacinths in the crisper of the refrigerator until after Thanksgiving.

Let tropicals harden off. This means to let the growth toughen up so it can survive any cold snaps. Do not fertilize or prune until spring. Those in pots can be moved to a sheltered location. Cymbidiums can acclimate to full sun this time of the year, and it helps them bloom. Early bloomers may even have the beginning of fat bud spikes by now.

Many winter vegetables can be planted now. Among them are lettuce, peas, chard, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and spinach. Also most of the root vegetables, such as carrots and beets. Leave space if you plan to plant asparagus, strawberries, artichoke or rhubarb during the January bare-root season, but their spot of soil can be prepared now.