(Copyright Gospel Communications
International, Inc - www.reverendfun.com)
 | Add a little compost and a thick
layer of mulch to protect the tender new growth. This is an
excellent use for the branches of your discarded Christmas tree.
| In the event of snow, be sure to
shake or brush off the white stuff from the branches of your
evergreens and shrubs. The light fluffy snow poses no real threat,
but if it should become wet and frozen, the weight dramatically
increases. Branches are more brittle when the plants are dormant,
and the weight of the snow may snap them off.
| Dormant spraying of fruit trees,
Cotoneaster, Dogwoods, etc. should be done this month.
| It's a good time to prune most of
your deciduous trees and shrubs.
| Forsythia, Jasmine and Quince sprays
can be cut and brought into the house now for forcing. The warmth in
the home will bring some early bloom to your room.
| Fireplace ashes should be saved to
use a fertilizer for your Iris and other alkaline soil plants.
| If the ground is workable at all (not
frozen and not too wet), now is an excellent time to turn the soil.
Not only will this expose insect eggs to the effects of winter and
hungry birds, the freezing will help to break apart heavy clods of
dirt.
| Houseplants-dust on the foliage can
clog the leaf’s pores; so clean them up a little with a damp
cloth, or a quick shower under the tap. Actively growing plants will
benefit from a shot of liquid plant food. On very cold nights, it is
a good time to close the curtains or blinds between the window and
your houseplants. Make certain that Pansies your plants have
sufficient humidity, by setting them on a tray filled with clean
pebbles, and a little water, or by simply setting a cup of water
nearby.
| You can force Hyacinth, Paper-white
Narcissus, and Lily of the valley bulbs into bloom indoors, in a
shallow bowl of water, or in pots this month. If you can't have
spring yet.... fake it!
| Keep a close eye open for insects on
your houseplants. If you are lucky enough to have a greenhouse, be
sure to check those plants carefully too.
| Extra time this month might well be
spent getting the garden tools ready for spring. Sharpen and oil
tools such as shovels, shears, mowers and the like. Power tools such
as weed eaters and power mowers may benefit from a good tune-up.
Could the wheelbarrow use a fresh coat of paint?
| It's not too early to begin to think
of a strategy for new spring plantings. You might want to create a
small map of your garden, and use it as a guide for ordering plants
and seeds from the catalogs that will be arriving in the mail soon. |
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(Copyright Gospel Communications
International, Inc - www.reverendfun.com)
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