Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

George Wedel

October offered us great weather; sunny, blue skies, warm temperatures and beautiful autumn tree, shrub and mum colors. Quite a reward for our gardening diligence and just one of the things that makes Michigan a wonderful place to live. Now, as we Michiganders know, when the first days of November arrive we best be finishing our gardening projects soon.

Because of the unusually warm weather recently we've still had opportunities to enjoy working in the fresh air and opportunities to do things this year that will make next year an even more successful one in our gardens and outdoor living areas. What is probably the most important project is applying a good winterizing fertilizer to our lawns. We recommend that Scotts Super Turf Builder Winterguard be applied now. Our goal, this time of year, is to encourage good root development which leads to stronger, more disease resistant grass plants next year. Of course, with stronger, healthier grass we will need to spend less time and money remedying problems that often plague weaker lawns.

Did you know the pesky dandelions that will bloom in lawns next spring are up and growing right now crowding out valuable grass plants? Here's the good news - dandelions and all other perennial and biennial broadleaf weeds can be successfully killed in cool autumn weather with Fertilome Weed Free Zone containing "carfentrazone." Weed Free Zone even kills hard to control weeds such as creeping veronica, ground ivy and wild violets. Apply Weed Free Zone on a sunny day when temperatures are above 40 degrees in November and have a weed free lawn next spring.

What to do with leaves? As pretty as they are as they change color on the trees, they can be a nuisance once they are on the ground. Raking or collecting leaves with a power leaf blower can be a chore but it can add value to our gardens. Leaves are an excellent source of organic material and they do add nutrients to the soil as they are worked in. An alternative you might consider is composting. Gardeners have long called compost black gold because of its nutrient value as a source of rich, fertile humus for your plants whether in the garden or landscaping and leaves are an excellent component of any compost. Compost can also improve the structure of both sand and clay soils, protecting them against drought and erosion.

I recommend using Espoma's Bio-Excelerator when composting. Bio-Excelerator contains the most effective microorganisms coupled with the proper energy sources and pH balancers that assure your composting success. A convenient way to turn and contain your compost is using a tumbling composter. Wedel's carries several composters that makes the process easy including the 11 cubic foot Garden Composter, 13 cubic foot Miracle Gro Composter, 7 cubic foot Tumbling Composter and 240 gallon Thermo King Composter. We also carry the accessories that will make your composting project even easier.

If you would rather not collect the leaves you have the option of mulching them where they fall. You'll need a good mulching mower with sharp blades to grind the leaves into fine particles that will naturally work their way into the soil. Be sure to do your mulching in stages and don't wait until all of the leaves are down. A covering of mulched leaf material that is too deep can do more harm than good to lawns.

Homeowners who experienced snow mold damage in their lawn last winter should be ready to take preventative measures. Both pink and gray snow mold can damage turf when temperatures range from 32 to 50 degrees and the grass is damp, usually from November through April. Prevention of snow mold is the best way to control it. First, fertilize turf with Scotts Super Turf Builder Winterguard. Mow the lawn late into the fall if it is still growing; never allow the grass blades to remain long going into the winter. Tall grass will mat under snow loads which encourages snow mold. Set your mower for the last autumn mowing in November to one and three quarter inches.

Two fungicides, applied alternately whenever thawing conditions allow, will prevent mold damage. The first spray should be Halt Systemic Fungicide applied in mid-November. The second should be Banner sprayed on turf in December. Repeat these sprays in late February or early March.

Another project that is often overlooked this time of year is watering. Don't let your plants go through winter in dry soil. Even though your hose might be stowed away for the season it will be well worth your while to get it out and give your trees and shrubs a good, deep watering in mid-November. Using a nice layer of mulch will help to keep the moisture in the soil and mulch helps to insulate the soil and protects roots during the early cold snaps.

When winter temperatures drop to zero, the winds are brisk and the sun shines brightly, many valuable landscape plants will dehydrate or "winter burn." Protect valuable plants in November for the rigors of a harsh Michigan winter. Dogwood trees, rhododendrons, azaleas, boxwood, holly, yew and hemlock evergreens are a few plants that often need protection. Wedel's has the products to help protect your plants: rolls of burlap, Cloud Cover spray, rose cones and mulches. Visit with our plant experts for helpful assistance.

If you didn't get your deer and rabbit repellent applied yet, there's no time like the present. Deer and rabbit browsing begins after the first hard frost and continues throughout the winter months. It is so discouraging to come home one evening and find your prized and valuable shrub or tree either badly misshapen or gone entirely. I recommend Repellex Deer and Rabbit Repellent which can be purchased in a pre-mixed sprayer or as a concentrate. Spray on a day when the temperature is in the 40 degree range and no rain is expected for 24 to 48 hours. This gives the repellent time to dry which means your plants will be protected for 10 to 12 weeks. You've invested your time and money in your landscaping. A little insurance now will protect your investment.

It's not too late to plant spring flowering bulbs for a glorious display as winter fades and spring begins to bloom. Wedel's has a huge selection of bulbs, including tulips, narcissus, crocus, hyacinths, daffodils etc. to choose from along with everything you need to ensure success including tools, fertilizer and expert advice. Plant now for blossoms in March (or earlier) through much of May; just the time of year when our spirits sometimes need lifting. What could be better than brilliant colors after a time of gray days and the promise of a new spring after the quiet of a long winter?

Thanksgiving Day will be here in fewer than three weeks! Who, among us, can't come up with a long list of things we are thankful for? At times, the list seems endless. We've had a wonderful growing season and a beautiful fall. Winter is coming when we can reflect on all that we've accomplished and plan for the next gardening season. And there is the promise of a new spring, just around the corner, when we can all dig in and get busy in our yards and gardens once again. On the top of my list are our green thumber friends who share my enthusiasm for all of the outdoor projects and chores that make home such a pleasant place to be. I wish you, each, a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

Whenever you have gardening questions, feel free to come to Wedel's Nursery, Florist, and Garden Center, your twelve-month horticultural center. The nursery is stocked full of beautiful trees, shrubs, and evergreens now and even after most other garden centers have closed and we've put our nursery stock "to bed" for the winter, we'll be able to help you. Our experienced Michigan Certified Nursery Specialists, Master Gardeners and Lawn Pros are always happy to help you any day, any season.