Did you grow strawberries this year?

To protect them against winter damage, cover strawberry beds with a straw, pine needles or other loose, coarse material. Do not use tree leaves, which will pack down.

For bulbs, it’s now or never.

Early November is your last call to get spring blooming bulbs in the ground. As a general rule, bulbs are planted three times as deep as their largest dimension (measured from the top of the bulb). Add lime on top of the soil to confound squirrels, chipmunks and others who would dig the bulbs for dinner. The lime also acts to sweeten our generally acidic soil which bulbs prefer. And take photos of the planting areas so you know what you put where your bulbs next spring.

Re-potting season

October is the month to re-pot any houseplants that have outgrown their container. Never go up more than one or two inches (for very large plants) in pot size when repotting. Remove any rotten or mushy roots. Pry apart matted or circling roots, and cut off those that are too compacted. Doing this ensures so the remaining roots will reach out into the new soil.  When re-potting, start with a coffee filter (or similar) over the pot’s drain hole to contain the soil, and then add a layer of soil. Hold the plant at the level you want it to sit and add soil around it to stand it upright (with large plants you may need an assistant). Firm the soil but do not pack it down. Water thoroughly until it runs out the bottom. Set the container aside and add more water until you are certain the entire pot is wet. Use a pot saucer to catch any overflow and place the plant in its new home.