December Checklist

• Purchase Finke Gardens gift certificates.
• Lightly prune evergreens and berry plants for winter decorations.
• Check soil moisture if the weather has been mild and dry. Water as needed, especially conifers and newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials.
• Gently remove heavy snow loads from trees & shrubs.
• Scout for animal damage and install fencing if necessary.

October Checklist

• Plant trees and shrubs.
• Prepare new beds by incorporating plenty of organic matter. Beds will have time to settle before spring planting.
• Maintain mulch depths of 2 to 3 inches to conserve moisture and moderate winter soil temperatures.
• Irrigate the lawn and landscape beds if rainfall has been insufficient.
• Plant spring-flowering bulbs.
• Build a compost pile for autumn leaves. Chop leaves with a mower for faster decomposition.
• Harvest the last of the frost tolerant vegetables as they ripen.
• Remove foliage and debris from the vegetable beds & annual planters. Sanitation is key to reduced disease next year.
• Empty the potting soil from planters to prevent freezing and cracking. Add it to the compost pile or use it as a soil amendment.
• Drain and cover birdbaths and fountains.
• Control perennial weeds in the lawn and landscape in early October.
• Prepare the snow blower with an oil change and tune-up.