Winter, 2004 - From: Cyndi Lauderdale, Agricultural Extension Agent
email: cynthia_lauderdale@ncsu.edu
internet: http://wilson.ces.state.nc.us/

Fall is quickly fading and winter is quickly approaching. Although we may not be actively gardening in these cool temperatures there are plenty of gardening activities to do. There also is plenty of fun things to get involved in like the Home for the Holidays event.

Houseplant foods are beneficial, but remember that a little fertilizer can go a long way. Many gift plants may not need to be fertilized until spring.

The potted plants you receive during the holiday season are not meant to be kept as permanent house plants. They were raised in a greenhouse and do not adapt well to the conditions in your home. Treat them like long-lasting cut flowers -- enjoy them as long as possible, but discard when they become unattractive.

To prolong the life of a flowering poinsettia, keep it evenly moist and protect it from being chilled or subjected to drafts. Keep it in full sunlight between 65 and 72F.

If the buds drop and the stems shrivel on your Christmas cactus, look for root injury caused by dry soil.

If your amaryllis has been grown in a warm room, the long flower stalk may require staking. Take care not to damage the bulb when inserting a stake into the container.

Mistletoe cactus Rhipsalis baccifera looks a little like mistletoe, but when young, is bristly like its cactus relatives. It needs bright, filtered light. Unlike most cacti, it needs an indoor area with 60 percent humidity.

Unusual poinsettia cultivars now on the market include: Lemon Drop, with bright-yellow bracts; Pink Peppermint, pink with lighter speckles; and Jingle Bells, dark red with pink flecks.

The Christmas cactus will be coming into bloom. Reduce watering to prolong the blooming period. Keep in full sun at 70F.

Keep your flowering chrysanthemum blooming longer by keeping the plant out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil slightly moist. Day temperatures should be 68F, and night temperatures 40 to 55F.

Be sure to remove or punch holes in decorative foil around holiday plants, or it will collect water and cause roots to die.

Seeds taken from fresh grapefruits and oranges sown in a well-drained, sandy soil will soon produce attractive, green-leaved plants.

Purchase amaryllis bulbs in decorative containers for your own enjoyment or for gifts. Their expense is justified as they increase in beauty from year to year.

Always cut off the faded flowers of your amaryllis so no seeds form. Producing seed robs the bulb of energy that should go to next year's growth.

Melted snow contains minerals and can be used instead of tap water for winter watering of house plants.

When buds of Christmas cactus show signs of opening, start a regular watering program and keep the plant cool for the best show.

Move gift plants with caution. Plants shocked by the cold may drop their leaves in a few days and no longer be such a lovely gift. Wrap each plant in eight to ten layers of newspaper stapled shut over the foliage. If it is freezing outside, warm up the car before loading the plants. Cold temperatures for 'only a minute' can be detrimental.

Pots of narcissus started indoors now will still bring the fragrance of spring before their outside cousins bloom.

The All-Seasons Garden Club will host their second annual lighted luminary sale. Luminaries are purchased in memory or honor of a love one, friend, or someone who you want to express appreciation to. Luminaries will be on sale now until Friday, December 17 for $3 each. Each luminary then will be placed along the Ag. Center circular drive on Monday, December 20 from 5:00-7:00 PM. Checks can be made payable to the All-Seasons Garden Club and mailed to Jackie Dale, All Season Garden Club President, 1106 Lakeside Drive NW, Wilson, NC 27896. For more details call Jackie at 291-6661.

Lighted Luminaries

Name_____________________________

Address___________________________

__________________________________

City Zip Phone____________________________

In Memory of_________________________________

In Honor of_________________________________

Quantity $3 each Total

This page was created by Cyndi Lauderdale, Agricultural Extension Agent.

Date Created: 12/10/2004.