Gardening Insights for the Mohawk Valley (Zone 5)

“Welcome sweet November, the season of senses and my favorite month of all.”

Gregory F. Lenz

The first frost is (usually) past. Annuals have exited the garden (unless covered for the frosts and even with this they are poised to go). Some plants are still shining and those with winter foliage start to stand out more.

So what did you learn this year? What thrived and what didn’t? Does anything need to be moved next year? Hopefully you have jotted down a note or two about this, as well as ideas for new plants to try next year and where they might go.

Clean up your gardening tools if you haven’t yet. Drain and put away the hoses. Store garden ornaments that will not weather well in your shed, cellar or garage- wherever you keep your gardening things.

Cut back any perennials not slated for winter foliage show. Consider mowing/mulching the leaves (if any but not too many) and leaving them on the ground as mulch to enrich the soil. Use some to as a blanket over tender plants that lean toward Zone 6 but are doing okay in 5 (Acanthus, etc.)

Now is the time to do any gate, fence, etc. repairs that still need doing.

And now is the time for a little rest and reflection as your garden enters into sleep for the winter.