Hyacinth bulbs can be forced in water using hyacinth vases.
November is upon us and there are still plenty of gardening chores to be done before winter and plant dormancy set in.
Be sure to take advantage of the nice cooler, but still warmer days of Autumn to be outside.
We were recently upgraded to a new USDA planting zone, and we are now considered be in Zone 8. This is a warmer zone and affords us with even more availability of new and different varieties of plants.
Due to the recent drought conditions, it is important to provide your lawn, established landscape plants, newly planted landscape beds, with at least 1 inch of rain or irrigated watering each week.
Continue to do this until the first hard freeze. You should also monitor the moisture in your container plants and provide water as needed.
Allowing the soil to completely dry out will provide no moisture protection for the roots of your trees, shrubs, grass and container plants when the ground freezes and could kill your plants.
Also be reminded that just because the air temperatures are cooler, the ground temperatures will sometimes remain warmer longer, meaning your plants still need watering. Remember just because the leaves have fallen, doesn’t mean the roots aren’t still growing, so if God doesn’t provide the rain you must irrigate. It is a good idea that before the first anticipated hard freeze, water all your plants slowly and deeply.
Keep an eye out for whiteflies and spider mites on any plants that you may have brought indoors after summering them outside. Use Super Soap, making three applications a week apart for three weeks, and if you continue to experience the infestation use systemic insecticide by Bonide.
I also recommend Bonide’s Systemic granules for all house plants to prevent insect infestation for up to six weeks.
When your hanging baskets, container pots and window boxes are finished blooming for the season, consider spreading the soil in your compost pile or vegetable garden. When possible turn the pots upside down if stored outdoors.
Providing 2-3 inches of mulch is one of the best defenses for plants against moisture deprevation, chilling temperatures, and also helps to prevent “frost heave.”
With the winter weather we usually get, we often experience constant freezing and thawing situations, that could lead to frost heave.
That is why it is so important for newly planted shrubs to have enough mulch to protect them from being pushed out of the ground from ‘frost heave.’
With the temperature and daylight changes of fall, and the number of gardening choirs begin to slow, you may not get the opportunity to be outside in the garden as much. Why not consider some indoor gardening task, like forcing flowering bulbs?
Paperwhites, hyacinths and amaryllis bulbs all can be forced indoors. When forcing paper-white bulbs in soil, you need seven to nine weeks to allow them to come into bloom.
Choose bulbs that have not yet sprouted and plant them bulb pans, setting the bulbs up to their shoulders in gritty potting mix, and add enough gravel to cover the necks. Soak the soil in the pots and allow the water to drain. Set the pots in room temperatures of 55-65 degrees and water about once a week until the growth begins.
Sprouted paper white bulbs come into bloom quicker when forced in pebbles and water.
Hyacinth bulbs can be forced in water using hyacinth vases. Be sure to purchase hyacinth bulbs that are listed as pre-chilled. Simply fill the hyacinth vase with water and place the bulb on the top.
You get two shows, the flowers at the top and the roots growing in the water.
Amaryllis bulbs need well-drained, gritty soil and they need to be planted in good heavy pots, since the blooms are large and can make the plant top heavy as it begins to grow and flower.
Plant the bulb with the top third showing above the soil line. Water the pots thoroughly and place them in a warm room.
Maintain moderate moisture, not allowing the bulb to dry-out or set in water. You should fertilize each time you water using room temperature water by mixing up the a water soluble fertilizer in a gallon jug and store at room temperature.
The bulbs should come into bloom in about five to six weeks at normal home conditions.
The flower stalk will rise first, then the foliage will appear. The flowers can last up to two weeks, and if you have a larger bulb, you may even get more than one or two flower stalks.
Thanksgiving will soon be here, it is obviously a day to give thanks for all that we have in our lives.
With all the events in the world going on around us: Wars, famines, gun violence and the many natural disasters, it is easy to fall into the feeling of ingratitude.
I first want to express my sincere thanks to all our customers and patrons that help support us and our community.
I never, ever take any of you for granted. I am asking each of you to join me in refocusing our attention to the many blessings of family, friends and others in our lives.
Let’s make Thanksgiving not only about the big feast, but also a time to refresh our souls and mind-set in focusing on being grateful for the many gifts in our lives.
It is my hope and prayer for each of you to have a blessed Thanksgiving and with an attitude of being grateful and thankful.
(Editor’s Note: Ken Morgan is the owner of Robin’s Nest Floral and Garden Center in Easton, Md.)
