
In November, it is time for our final lawn Fertilizer application this year. Now that the weather has cooled and we are watering less, you will notice that the grass is growing more slowly. Reduce your mowing frequency to only every other week until spring. You can probably get away with edging your lawn once a month now as well. The time you save from mowing may need to be spent raking. Clean up leaves as they fall, to prevent mildew and fungus spores from spreading. Turn off the irrigation system once rains start. Water the garden only if there’s no rainfall for more than a week and a half. Even if there is no rain, we only need to water 2-3 times a week, and 7 minutes per station. Inspect drains, and make sure you are prepared for the coming wet weather. Backyard garden enthusiasts, plant strawberries in the first half of the month for maximum fruit harvest. Space plants 1 foot apart in rich, loose soil in full sun. The “straw” in the name comes from an old practice of mulching around the berries with straw to prevent the berries from rotting on the soil. Use garden cloths instead for your home garden. Better yet, just be diligent in picking, and expect a few lost fruits.