Gardening Calendar

Ornamentals

• 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.
• Hairspray works well to keep seed heads and dried flowers intact on wreaths and arrangements.
• Living Christmas tree basics:
• Dig the planting hole before the ground freezes.
• Mulch and cover the backfill soil and the planting hole to keep them dry and unfrozen.
• Don’t allow the tree’s roots to become dry.
• Weeks 1-3: Hollies may be trimmed now and the prunings used in holiday decorations.

Houseplants

• On cold nights, move houseplants back from icy windows to prevent chilling injury.
• Overwintering geraniums like bright light and cool temperatures. Keep soils on the dry side.
• Be sure newly purchased indoor plants are well protected for the trip home. Exposure to icy temperatures for even a few moments may cause 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.

Miscellaneous

• Clean and oil all garden hand tools before storing for winter.
• All power equipment should be winterized before storage. Change the oil and lubricate moving parts. Either drain fuel systems or mix a gas stabilizing additive into the tank.
• Apply mulches to bulbs, perennials and other small plants once the ground freezes.
• If you feed rabbits corn or alfalfa, they may leave fruit tree bark unharmed.