Mississippi State University Extension Service Gardening

November Garden Checklist
By Ms. Mary Michaela Parker
MSU Extension Service

It's hard to believe we're nearing the end of 2021. With cooler weather arriving, that means there's not as much to do in your garden besides constantly raking leaves to ensure they don't take over your landscape. However, there are a few additional tasks you can complete to prep your space for spring!

1. Thank the lower temperatures for cooler soil, because this time of year is the best time to plant trees and shrubs in your yard. The task is not as intimidating as it seems! Our blog post on how to plant a tree covers the need-to-know basics before you start digging. For detailed directions on transplanting trees and shrubs, we also recommend looking into Information Sheet 0965, "Transplanting Trees and Shrubs in the Landscape."

2. Winter months are the perfect time to cut hardwood plants, like crape myrtles, roses, hydrangeas, and wisteria for new growth. Propagating is an easy and cost-effective way to expand your existing plant collection. Check out this quick video demonstration on how to propagate plants from cuttings!Extension Information Sheet 0207, "Propagating Plants for the Home Landscape," offers more insight on how to properly cut and plant these cuttings.

3. With winter on the horizon, you'll want to protect your garden and flower beds from the cold temps. Add a layer of mulch on top of the soil to act as a blanket for your plants.

4. If you have an itch to plant flowers, there are actually a few plants that can be planted now! To add a pop of color to your winter and early spring landscape, plant pansies, pinks, and flowering cabbage and kale. If you want some color this summer, plant perennials like irises, daylilies, and daisies.

5. As leaves start to fall off trees, you'll be able to see dead limbs that need to be removed. You can prune back those dead limbs now, but it's best to delay pruning most trees and shrubs until February. Any new growth stimulated by pruning may be killed by freezing temperatures if you remove limbs too soon. For more information on pruning trees, Information Sheet 0204, "Pruning Landscape Plants," provides great information to prepare you for pruning season.

Articles and Information for Gardeners
See articles written by MSU Extension experts and Master Gardeners for interesting information for gardeners. These articles are updated twice a month, so check for new articles. Click on the button below to go to the articles page.

Mississippi Vegetable Gardener's Guide
MSU Extension Publication Number: P3616
View as PDF: P3616.pdf
There are many good reasons for growing a vegetable garden in Mississippi.

A garden offers the opportunity to enjoy vegetables at their freshest. Sometimes only minutes elapse between harvest, preparation, and eating. Most fresh vegetables available at the grocery store travel about 1,800 miles between producer and consumer, and this travel often occurs over a period of several days. There's a lot to be said for "homegrown" freshness.
In recent years many people are growing vegetables to save money on their grocery bill.
A garden can be a wonderful place for children. They provide opportunities for play, learning, and for having fun.

Regardless of motive, gardening can be as simple or as complex a project as you make it. As the interest in all aspects of gardening has increased, so has the need for more information and education. Careful planning can make gardening easier, more productive, and more enjoyable. In planning your garden, it is important to consider a few basics

Soil Testing Services at MSU
The Mississippi State University Extension Soil Testing Lab has new equipment that allows it to offer an expanded range of services to clients.

A new carbon and nitrogen analyzer tests both soil and plant tissue. The new instrument adds soil nitrogen tests to the list of services offered by the Extension Soil Testing Lab and streamlines the process of obtaining soil organic matter and plant nitrogen analyses.

Clients can now choose several different tests. First is the standard soil test for $8. A test for both soil and organic matter costs $10. For $4, clients can order a test for organic matter and soil nitrogen only, excluding the standard soil test.

Soil tests are useful for clients interested in improving crops, lawns, home gardens and wildlife food plots. Optimal pH and soil fertility are critical to obtaining maximum plant growth and economic yields. Soil tests take the guesswork out of fertilizer and lime applications. Reducing excess fertilizer application saves money and prevents the environmental impacts of nutrient runoff. Forms are available at the Extension Office.

Define the area to be tested. Divide the property into three different areas (for example, front yard, back yard, and garden). Each area requires its own soil sample box.
Gather the supplies you need: soil probe, spade or shovel, plastic bucket, and sample boxes.
Collect 15–20 different soil plugs from different places in the defined area. Remove vegetation/turf from the ground surface before collecting plugs.
Take soil from the top 4–6 inches.
Mix all plugs from a designated area together in a plastic bucket.
Fill a soil sample box with soil from the bucket.
If a box is not available, quart-sized zip-top bags are also an option.
In addition to the other information on the box, remember to label the sample name (for example, front yard, back yard, or garden).
If you have multiple areas that need sampling, repeat the entire collection process.
Fill out the Soil Testing Laboratory sample form. Soil sample boxes and forms are at your local county MSU Extension office. Each county in Mississippi has an Extension office, so there is one near you!
Take the soil sample(s) to your local Extension office or mail them directly to the MSU Soil Testing Lab at P.O. Box 9610, Mississippi State, MS 39762.
Include payment with your sample ($8 per sample), or pay for samples online.

Lee County Master Gardener Projects

The Lee County Master Gardeners lead and participate in many projects that help to promote gardening and serve as beautification to areas in Lee County. The projects provide a way to engage the public in gardening activities and to share current ideas and develop new ideas. Please use the Master Gardener Project button to explore and learn how the Lee County Master Gardeners contribute their time and love of gardening with the community.

Magnolia Botanical Gardens
Verona Research and Extension Center

Magnolia Botanical Gardens serves as a demonstration and educational resource for green industry professionals and consumers. There are many ornamental plants in the botanical gardens including Mississippi Medallion plants. Many plants are labeled for identification. The public is invited to view these gardens to see plants they may want to include in their landscape. Magnolia Botanical Gardens is located at the Verona Research and Extension Center, south of Verona, MS on Hwy 145.

Location:
MSU Lee County Extension Office
5338 Cliff Gookin Blvd.; Tupelo, MS 38801