JANUARY
"In all things of nature there
is something of the marvelous"—Aristotle
Seed Starting Tip. Start cauliflower, leek and
geranium seeds early this month.
Check Your Bulbs. Check any tender bulbs you
have stored for the winter. Discard any that show rot or shriveling, and mist
those that appear to be drying out. Store in a cool, dark location.
Have a Redesign In Mind? Now is the time to
redesign any beds you weren't happy with. Use graph paper to plan several
designs for spring, taking into account such factors as sun, shade, natural
features and so on.
Choose Your Roses. Nursery selections decreases
as the season progresses, so order any roses that you want to plant this year. Most suppliers accept
orders early and ship at the appropriate planting time for your zone. Check
with the American Rose Society
for more information on new varieties for 2004.
Maintain Birdbaths. Keep you birdbaths full of
fresh water, changing as often as necessary in freezing weather. An electric
birdbath deicer may be a good—and much appreciated—investment for the cold
months.
Time to Repot! Repot any houseplants that are
outgrowing their containers. Place your plants in a cool shower once a month to
remove dust and eliminates any pests that might be on the leaves.
Proper Poinsettia Care. Proper care of
Poinsettia's is critical to ensuring a plant that will perform well throughout
the winter. If the pot is wrapped in foil remove and discard to provide
drainage. Let the soil dry completely between watering. Keep out of drafts both
hot and cold. The ideal temperature range this plant likes if 60-68 degrees F.
Wintertime Necessities. Place a burlap screen
around outdoor plants that are susceptible to splashing or runoff from road
salt or deicing chemicals. Make sure burlap is 12"-18" away from the
plants. To avoid harming sensitive plants, try using a cat litter and sand on
you icy sidewalks
Reuse Your Ash. Use wood ash from your
fireplaces and wood-burning stove to increase the ph of your garden soil, but
don't overdo it; too high of a ph level will prevent the uptake of some plant
nutrients. Test the ph of your soil to maintain the correct balance.
Snow Can Be Heavy For Trees. GENTLY remove snow
and ice from evergreens as needed to prevent limbs from breaking.
Done With Your Christmas Tree? Don't throw it
away. Get out your pruners and remove the boughs. They make excellent
attractive mulch for your beds.
Acquired an Amaryllis? Proper care will ensure many years of beautiful
blooms. When the blooms fade cut off the stem that contained the bloom. Place
the plant in a bright location and water when the soil feels dry. In the spring
plant it outside in a semi-sunny location. In the fall before the first frost
pot it up and cut back the foliage.