Garden Calendar: January

Now is the time of year that Cabin Fever and garden catalogs in our mailboxes get us dreaming about getting out into the garden.

Planning

• Start plans for changes or improvements in the garden on paper.
• Order seed for early planting.

Equipment

• Repair and sharpen mowers and tools.Order new pots and markers.
• Check condition of sprayers.

Planting

• Set out trees and shrubs.
• Sweet Peas, Poppies, and Larkspur.

Fertilizing

• January - March is the proper time to fertilize trees and shrubs.
• Apply lime to lawns if needed.

Pest Control

• Scale on broad-leaved evergreens should be sprayed with dormant oil for control.

Pruning

• Trim Nandinas.

Mulch

• Mulch Lilies with compost.
• Protect tender plants during periods of extreme cold.

Miscellaneous

• Keep bird feeders stocked. Provide water for birds.
• After freeze check to make sure plants have not heaved out of the ground.

Home Accent

• Collect winter berries and tree needles for a winter potpourri.Mahonia and Aucuba will root in water indoors and provide color from the outdoors.
• A small amount of sugar in the water will help prevent Holly branches from losing berries.Wash and dust leaves of house plants.
• Inspect house plants for insects and diseases.

In Bloom

• Camellia, Winter Honeysuckle, Winter Jasmine, and in mild winters Flowering Quince.