NOVEMBER

In the Edible Garden

• Place all weeds, leaves and disease-free dead plant material in the compost pile.
• Clean and store all your garden equipment and tools.*
• Drain outdoor water pipes.
• Kill insects by digging or tilling the garden in the fall. This exposes the insects to winter cold and reduces their numbers in next year's garden.
• Store root crops (carrots, turnips and Jerusalem artichokes) in the ground. Bury these crops under a heavy layer of straw.

In the Ornamental Garden

• Leaving perennials standing and not cutting them back may help to protect the crown. If you mulch, go ahead and cut them back.
• Rake fallen leaves from grass. Leaves left on lawn over winter will smother and kill grass.
• Plant spring- flowering bulbs as long as the ground is not frozen.
• Cut down your own Christmas tree at a local farm. Call 773-233-0476 for a free list or check out the Christmas Trees & More site at www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/trees

 In the Interior Garden

• Rotate your houseplants to promote even growth.
• On cold nights, move houseplants back from icy windows to prevent chilling injury.
• If you are overwintering potted geraniums, keep them in bright light and cool temperatures. Keep soil on the dry side.