Put the garden to bed for the winter. Pull out all annuals that have completed their life cycle and cut back perennials.  Rototill the vegetable garden to expose harmful insect larvae and disease organisms to cold and predators. You'll be all set to plant next spring instead of waiting for the soil to dry out enough for tilling.

• Fertilize fescue lawns for winter. The November fertilization (near Thanksgiving) is the most important one of the year for cool-season grasses. The soil is still warm enough to permit the growth of strong roots that will enable the grass to withstand next summer's baking heat. Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for turf, and apply according to soil test results.
  

TREES, SHRUBS & ORNAMENTALS

• Fall is for planting! September through early February is an ideal time to plant deciduous trees/shrubs and perennials. Plant evergreen plants from September - November.  The cool weather permits establishment of a root system before next year's hot weather. Find pictures of recommended planting techniques at: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-601.html
• It's time to move shrubs from one place to another. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/brunswick/mastergardener/mg201113.html
  
• Mulch shrubs/trees, perennials & herbs after the 1st killing frost for winter protection. Apply a layer 3" deep. Mulch comparisons and general info: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-608.html
  
• Plant spring flowering bulbs as the weather turns cold. For best landscape effect, plant groups of bulbs in between shrubs, or scatter bulbs in wooded areas; avoid planting bulbs in straight lines.  Always plant quality bulbs.  Daffodils , Spanish Bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanicus), and Snowflakes (Leucojum aestivum) are bulbs to consider. By contrast, Tulips and Dutch hyacinths decline after their first season here, and are best treated as annuals. Tips for planting/purchasing bulbs at: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-611.html 
• Use shredded leaves as mulch.  Fallen leaves contain lots of nutrients, but they decompose slowly. Help the process along by grinding up your leaves rather than sending them to the dump. You don't need a shredder; simply rake the leaves into rows and run over them with a mower.
  
• Compost your yard waste! As you cut back your perennials in preparation for winter, think about returning that bounty to your garden in the form of compost. Compost is nature's favorite fertilizer and soil conditioner. Recycle grass clippings, leaves, and non-diseased garden refuse.  How to compost: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-8100.html
  
• Tips on how to protect your plants from cold damage:http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-604.html 

LANDSCAPE IDEAS

• Before you put those plants in the ground, consider this ....
• Landscape with a plan. A well-thought-out landscape plan will produce a more "finished" effect than randomly-scattered plantings. Analyze your property and draw a simple map, noting which areas are sunny or shady, moist or dry. Think about where you need tall evergreens for screening, where you need shorter plants to maintain a view and about creating a landscape that will be appealing throughout all the seasons. 
  
• Put the right plant in the right place.  Choose plants that will grow well here and place them in their preferred growing conditions.  We can provide many publications describing plants that are well-adapted to our county. Master Gardener Volunteers, nursery professionals, gardening books geared toward North Carolina are also excellent resources.
• Allow space for plants to grow to their mature size. A common mistake is placing a large or fast-growing plant where there is not enough room for its full height and spread. The error results in continuous pruning in an attempt to keep the plant within a size that nature never intended it to be. Builders and beginning landscapers often place shrubs too close together, because the plants look so small when they come from the nursery. Find out how large your plants can be expected to grow, and place them where they can fulfill their potential.

VEGETABLES & FRUITS

• Winterize your herb garden: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-8112.html

HOUSEPLANTS

• Info to help your houseplants through the winter: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-8554.html

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