Mid-November on the calendar means it’s time for Reese and Rick to spray deer repellent and anti-desiccant to protect vulnerable plants from winter damage. If you’ve ever had browning of rhododendrons, boxwoods, hollies, leucothoes, or mountain laurels, you know what I mean by winter damage. This is caused by repeated cold winds or sudden shifts in temperature in March as the soil thaws and refreezes.
Deer populations seem to be increasing in our area. In fall, their digestive enzymes change so that they can eat evergreens, probably the only food readily available. Winter deer browse on evergreens is a constant issue, with some properties requiring two sprays during the winter season. We can also set up temporary deer fencing or apply garlic clips to branch tips as a secondary strategy.
Nancy Altman in our Business Office is keeping lists of clients who have already prepaid these services and who have had them in the past. If you think you may not be on these lists, please contact Nancy and plan now to head off trouble at the pass by arranging for our spray services, office@pumpkinbrookorganicgardening.com
Our Plant Health Care team will also be pulling soil biology samples early this month as a check on beneficial populations of soil microorganisms.
