Gardening Suggestions for November

November in Houston is a time for transitioning the garden focusing on preparations for the cooler months and ensuring long-term health of your existing plants.

• Lawns: Continue mowing as needed. Consider aerating the lawn to promote healthy growth. Reduce mowing frequency as grass growth slows. Maintain a slightly higher mowing height - St. Augustine to a height of 3” and Bermuda grass back to 1-2” - these grass will start to go dormant. Minimize foot traffic on dormant lawns. If you planted rye grass it will require mowing.
• Bulbs: Continue planting spring-blooming bulbs.
• Annuals: Continue planting cool-season annuals.
• Perennials: Continue cleaning up dead foliage.
• Tropical Plants: Determine which plants will need frost protection. Minimize watering.
• Roses/Shrubs/Trees/Fruit Trees: Plant new potted and bare rot plants. Begin minor fall pruning (shaping). Allow existing plants to go dormant. Clean up fallen leaves and debris.
• Palms: Reduce watering significantly. Begin to prepare for potential frost (for some palms). 
• Fertilizer: No more fertilizing.
• Weed Control: Continue hand-pulling weeds. Continue to replenish the mulch as this suppresses weeds. Apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent winter weeds, as needed.
• Pests: Scale insects, aphids,… Continue monitoring for pests and diseases although activity should be reduced.
• Diseases: Fungal diseases (due to damp conditions),…
• Watering: Significantly reduce irrigation watering frequency. Water only during extended dry periods. Monitor soil moisture levels closely to avoid overwatering. Ensure that irrigation systems are prepared for potential freezing temperatures.
• Landscaper Suggestions: Continue amending the garden beds with compost to improve soil health. This reduces the need for costly chemical fertilizers. Clear out any remaining spent plants and leaf debris to prevent pests and diseases. Ensure proper drainage in garden beds to prevent water-logging during potential winter rains. Make sure that mulch levels are kept at proper depths. This will help to protect roots from colder temperatures and also help to hold in any needed moisture.
• Garden Cost Management: Plan for winter protection of vulnerable plants, such as using frost cloths. This prevents costly plant replacements. Use this time to plan for spring planting and landscaping projects. This can help to avoid impulse purchases and ensure that the garden is prepared for the next growing season.