Gardening Calendar

• Quarantine new gift plants to be sure they do not harbor any insect pests
• Try sprouting a test sample of left-over seeds before ordering new seeds for spring. (Roll up 10 seeds in a damp paper towel. Keep moist and warm. Check for germination in a week. If fewer than half sprout, order fresh seed.)
• Christmas tree boughs can be used to mulch garden perennials.
• Check all fruit trees for evidence of rodent injury to bark. Use baits or traps where necessary.
• Avoid foot traffic on frozen lawns as this may injure the turf grasses.
• Amaryllis aftercare:
  
  • remove spent flowers after blooming.
  • set the plant on a bright sunny window to allow the leaves to develop fully.
  • keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy.
  • fertilize occasionally with a general purpose houseplant formulation.
• Allow tap water to warm to room temperature before using on houseplants.
• Wash the dust off of houseplant leaves on a regular basis. This allows the leaves to gather light more efficiently and will result in better growth.