By Master Gardener Volunteer Lesley Arrandale
mail@floridanewsline.com

It’s increasingly obvious that there are disturbing changes going on with our climate. As always, gardeners have to deal with whatever the weather sends in our direction, but nowadays we should be thinking outside the box. 

The usual concerns might be how to protect tender plants from the cold. If we love tropical plants, then frost cloths and similar are our first line of defense. Tender potted plants can be grouped under them and if we make sure the edges come down to the ground and are weighted in case of wind, we can be confident that we’ve done what we can. Inground plants can also be protected like this. 

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It helps to understand which perennials and shrubs normally die down during the winter, even if the weather isn’t severe. Some perennials will die down completely, waiting till spring to regrow, and others will overwinter keeping a rosette of basal leaves. Those that die back completely need to be marked. If there are standing flower stems carrying seedheads, they can be left till spring growth begins before being tidied away, as they indicate the locations of the plants as well as shelter overwintering insects. If that looks too untidy for you, cut back stems and put them in an out-of-the-way area to keep hibernating insects safe and provide food for the birds. For me, the look of a plant during its winter rest can be attractive.

If traditional houseplants have spent the summer outside, examine them carefully to make sure they aren’t carrying unwanted pests when you bring them into the house. If you find any it’s best to treat plants before bringing them indoors. There are insecticidal soaps or systemic products available. Pull any weeds, trim back untidy growth, and wipe down the outside of the pots. Place them where they get the amount of light they need. If possible, don’t put them near plants that have been indoors all year in case you have overlooked any insects; indoors pests can spread quickly. After a month or so you will know if there are any problems.

Mercifully, outdoor pests are few at this time of year. It’s not only the cooler weather that affects them, but day length too. Like other creatures they have predetermined life cycles. Those caterpillars that were a nuisance in early summer will have descendants that are now in chrysalis form, perhaps sheltered in leaf litter or in cracks in tree bark. Come spring they’ll turn into moths or maybe butterflies, and their eggs will hatch into caterpillars. But these are not just potential pests. In spring birds are nesting and eggs are hatching. Most of a young bird’s diet will be caterpillars and other insects and for them to flourish it is important that this high protein food source is readily available. 

For timely tips on what to plant in November and December, as well as helpful articles, see our newsletter, A New Leaf Yard & Garden: https://tinyurl.com/ycyte65r

If you need advice on dealing with your landscape after a storm, check out the September/October edition of The Neighborhood Gardener: https://tinyurl.com/5xmjn4pt

Wishing you all a very safe and happy holiday season, however you celebrate.

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