Spray broad leaved evergreens, like this magnolia, with an antidessicant to prevent moisture loss. / AP
If raspberries were underperforming and produced crumbly fruit this summer, they may have a virus. If so, they should be replaced with resistant varieties and planted in a different area. / File photo by Joe Larese/The Journal News
Perennials: If the ground is frozen, finish mulching perennial and bulb planting beds. Place evergreen boughs over the mulch to keep it from blowing away. Protect rose bushes by adding soil around the graft.
Flowers: As new garden catalogs arrive, discard the old ones. Soon it will be time to think about ordering.
Vegetables and fruits: If raspberries were underperforming and produced crumbly fruit, they may have a virus. If so, they should be replaced with resistant varieties and planted in a different area. However, some raspberry plantings can survive for 20 years or more.
Trees and shrubs: Continue watering shallow rooted and new plantings until snowfall. Spray broad-leaved evergreens with an antidessicant to prevent moisture loss and tie evergreen shrubs to avoid breakage from winter snow.
Lawns: Spread gypsum to areas adjacent to roads to minimize salt damage.
Houseplants: Some pointers for the care of gift plants: first, poke a hole in the decorative wrapping paper and place on a saucer to catch water. Poinsettias are highly susceptible to injury from chilling drafts. The soil should be kept moist to touch but not soggy wet. The color lasts best if the plants are in a west or east window. If the bottom leaves turn yellow the plant is too wet. Keep a cyclamen in the coolest spot available. Keep the soil moist, not wet. Kalanchoes likes bright sun (it is a cousin of the jade plant) and water thoroughly after the soil dries out. After the flowers fade, cut back the stems to the tops of the leaves and feed to encourage rebloom.
General: Organic products are not necessarily the most effective or safest for the environment. A goal of a sustainable yard and garden is more sensible. Mulch and compost are two essential ingredients for sustainability.
— Susan Henry, master gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester