Things to Do in January
- WINTER WATERING - Keep in mind that plants,
especially
newly set plants, need water during winter months. A cold, dry
wind is very damaging to plants as it removes moisture from the
soil and the plant tissues. The only way to know when a plant
needs water is by the actual condition of the soil in which it is
growing. When in doubt, scrape off a few inches of the topsoil.
If it is dry, water is needed. Mulches, drip irrigation and
soaker hoses help ease the task of watering.
- CHECK BULBS IN STORAGE - Often dahlia tubers and
gladiolus
corms are attacked by rot in storage; throw out any ones with
rot.
- MULCH STRAWBERRY BEDS for winter protection using
wheat
straw or pine needles. Pull the mulch back when blooms appear.
- SPRAY ROSES with
lime-sulfur this
month to control insects
and diseases.
- FERTILIZE SPRING FLOWERING BULBS when 1" of growth
is seen
above ground. Use one rounded teaspoon of 10-10-10 per sq.ft.
- HOUSEPLANTS - The four major causes of houseplant
deaths
during the winter months are: over-fertilizing,
over-watering, under-watering, and improper light. Do not
fertilize houseplants in the wintertime; let your plants go into
a dormant (rest) period, a period of reduced growth, so that they
will be ready for vigorous growth in the spring months. Call for
a list of houseplants with different light and temperature
requirements.
Created on April 1 1998
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