Gardening Calendar

• On cold nights, move houseplants back from icy windows to prevent chilling injury.
• Water houseplants with tepid water. Cold tap water may shock plants.
• Holiday Poinsettia basics:
  - sun for at least half the day.
  - keep away from drafts, registers and radiators.
  - night temperatures in 50s or low 60s, days at 70 degrees.
  - the soil should dry only slightly between thorough waterings. Discard the drainage.
  - be sure to punch holes in decorative foil wraps to prevent soggy soil conditions.
• Be sure the root zones of azaleas and rhododendrons are thoroughly mulched. Any organic material will do, but mulches made from oak leaves, shredded oak bark, or pine needles are preferred.
• Living Christmas tree basics:
  - dig the planting hole before the ground freezes.
  - mulch and cover the back.ll soil and the planting hole to keep them dry and unfrozen.
  - don’t allow the tree’s roots to become dry.
  - spray with an antitranspirant to reduce needle moisture loss.
  - store the tree outdoors in a cool, shady, windless area until the last minute. Mulch the
     roots to prevent cold injury.
  - set the tree up in your coolest room.
  - don’t keep the tree indoors for more than one week. Plant outdoors promptly.