Landscape

        Leave plumes of most ornamental grasses to provide winter interest and seeds for birds.

        Trim plumes of Pennesetum “Moudry” (Black Fountain Grass) and other grasses that generously self-seed to prevent unwanted seedlings.

        Remove leaves from lawns and groomed gardens. Add leaves to compost or shred for mulch in garden beds.

        Houseplants

        Reduce watering of amaryllis for three weeks in late summer and before frost. Then discontinue watering and allow resting for two-three months in a cool, dry, well ventilated place.

        Vegetables

        Plant parsley and cool-season salad greens, preferably in cold frames for protection from temperature extremes.

        Cover fall-planted crops in the cabbage family with floating row cover to prevent looper and cabbagworm damage.

        Mulch heat-loving crops such as peppers and eggplant and cover with floating row covers to prolong production.

        Enrich garden soil with a layer of compost or by planting a cover crop such as alfalfa or annual rye.

        Fruits

        Prune out spent bramble canes after fruiting has finished.

        Gently bend raspberry canes to the ground and secure in place to encourage rooting by layering.

        Contact Civic Garden Center Hotline by phone: 221-8733;

        e-mail hotline@civicgardencenter.org.

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