Greening the Thanksgiving Table

Cold weather has hit most of the country and some areas already have snow cover. People have retreated inside, and even gardeners often neglect to stroll outdoors and look around. It's unfortunate because many people miss nature's final fling ... more >>

Choosing a Christmas Tree

"Real versus artificial" is always a hot debate, regardless of the object in question. Over the next month or so, the debate will be applied to Christmas trees. As an outdoorsman with scores of houseplants, I prefer real trees, but artificial ones have their place. Another option is ... more >>

A pack of larkspur seeds gives big rewards.

Evaluate
Your Garden

November is a good time to take stock of your garden. Cold weather and reduced sunlight are bringing the growing season to a close for many, but even for those in mild climates, now is the time to assess failures and successes while they are still fresh in your mind. Take stock of how well certain ... more >>

November Q & A

Question: We have a postage stamp yard in front of our patio home in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I bought a plant in June that was described as a moon flower. I checked the Internet and found a moon flower that was a vine ... more >>

November 2008

William Moss
E-mail your question and I'll choose two to answer in each newsletter.

Cleaning and oiling blades will help prevent rust.

November Gardening Tips

Check with garden centers for trees and shrubs at discount prices. Most retailers don't want the hassle of having to transport and store large woody plants over the winter. Even if the leaves have fallen, you can spot healthy deciduous woodies by their strong, firm branches and plump buds. Plant as soon as possible. Continue to water evergreens until a hard frost.

Clean, sharpen, and oil your tools before storing them for the winter. Use a wire brush to remove dirt. After cleaning, sharpen the blades with a file and oil them to prolong the useful life of the tools.