Gardening with Gail

—by Gail McIlroy

Well, it occurred to me even at this time of the year there are things that can be done both in the gardens and inside our indoor gardens in our homes. Here are a few tips to share with you. For the die-hard gardeners who are not deterred by dormant plants or soil covered leaves and freshly snow-covered pots and for those of us who enjoy putzing here, are a few thoughts while planning for spring and all the excitement of fresh bulbs.

Gardening with Gail

—by Gail McIlroy

Well, it occurred to me even at this time of the year there are things that can be done both in the gardens and inside our indoor gardens in our homes. Here are a few tips to share with you. For the die-hard gardeners who are not deterred by dormant plants or soil covered leaves and freshly snow-covered pots and for those of us who enjoy putzing here, are a few thoughts while planning for spring and all the excitement of fresh bulbs.

Although we have had rain in October, just like last August I am suggesting before we put the garden hoses away, do a deep watering of trees and shrubs before the winter frost sets it. This time of the year often bulbs go on sale, so as long as we can plant them it’s a great time to purchase! I assume you have moved your annuals out of the pots to either collect their seeds or in many cases you have brought the plants inside to start slips. Although this time of the year isn’t as exciting, you will definitely thank yourself in the spring.

This is the time to dig up and bring in dahlia tubers, tuberous begonias, and gladiolus corms (when the leaves have turned yellow). Remove the old soil and wash the tubers, remove and wash the little cormlets from the glad corms if you want more plants next year. Cure all of the above in a warm dry place for two to three weeks. Then place on trays, and cover with dry compost, sand also works as does perlite. Now store in your heated garage or basement as long as the temperature remains at five degrees Celsius.

This is also a great time to pot up some amaryllis, paper whites (a favourite of my Dad’s). You might also like to force them so you have their colours for Christmas, always pretty at any time of the year, I enjoy amaryllis in February or March! Check online because certain bulbs require certain amounts of coldness. It’s also okay to store them in your refrigerator if that is your preferred space.

If you haven’t winterized your tools, now is the time. All garden equipment works best when stored properly. It’s a good idea to paint the handle of your smaller pieces of equipment red so they can be easily spotted next spring when you are using them so much.

Protect your young trees from rodents by using wire collars or plastic protectors. Although we haven’t had really cold weather yet, we know it’s coming even with global warming.

Bentely is is my constant companion, however he thinks it’s time for a little snow!

Now another fun project for this time of the year. Create your own Christmas urns using a variety of different branches. For example branches with berries, red dogwood (usually found in damp or water-filled ditches) dried hydrangea blossoms, all work well. It’s important to put together ahead of time so the cold weather hasn’t frozen inside the urn. One year I had to use my teakettle back and forth to get the branches etc. into the urn.

If you check your Home Depot flyers you’ll see an interesting suggestion about planting vegetables in containers indoors. Many of my friends are excited about and using indoor hydroponic grow towers. They aren’t cheap. However, if you use market place you might find them on sale. 

October is a time we get excited about winter squash. That being said, there is still much to do such as planting native plants, spring bulbs such as tulips, crocuses, daffodils.  It’s also when we should add peat moss and fertilizer to the winter crops.

We should be thankful always, especially in October for our amazing love of family.

For those of us that are privileged enough to be able to visit with family for those who can’t, then embrace and hold tight to your friends. Happy Thanksgiving!