Cold protection for your plant is
one thing you have to think about in 2012. We had a mild December but we
know sometime in January or February it is going to get cold. Now, you do
have some choices. One is to forget about the plants and let survive what
can take the cold. Then you can replant as needed.
If you are like me, you promise the plants you are going to provide cold
protection but when the 30 degree temperatures arrive they are usually on
their own. Actually, some I will protect by moving them indoors or up near
a building where it is warmer. Others I might provide a cover but it has
to be to the ground. I don't build structures or provide a heat source
like light bulbs.
All cold protection involves heat. You either entrap available heat from
the ground, a building or similar source. Or you can provide it from a
heat source like light bulbs. Plastic covers are about useless and so are
covers just tossed over the plants. Now here is another problem. If it
gets too cold too long even your best protection may not be effective. The
good news is most plants will come back from shoots near the ground if
severely damaged.
Cold protection is just one of the January chores. Below are a bunch of
Tom's Gotta Do's for this month. It's not a bad month to work outside so
completing this list could be easy.
Tom's Gotta-do's
for January, 2012
Large or brown patch disease has been
prevalent in lawns; treat with a labeled fungicide.
Help reduce turf diseases with proper
waterings and by withholding fertilizer.
Grass growth slows at this time of
the year; most lawns need minimal care.
Mow lawns as needed to give a uniform
look, mulch leaves and control weeds.
Spot kill patches of persistent weeds
with a selective herbicide for your lawn type as needed.
Regreen yellow
lawns with an iron or minor nutrient application if needed.
Once a week or less watering is
normally adequate at this time of the year.
Turn sprinklers off prior to freezing
weather.
Many warm season weedy grasses have
declined; remove and fill spots with new sod.
Fill in bare spots with sod or plugs;
delay seeding until spring.
Insects are seldom a winter pest;
delay insecticide use until needed.
Ryegrass can be seeded to temporarily
regreen brown turf or fill bare areas.
Learn what plants need winter
protection; many benefit from the cold.
Only protect cold sensitive plants
from frosts and freezes.
Thick fabric covers secured to the
ground are the best cold protection..
Outdoor lights maybe added for heat
if they don't touch the covers.
Turn off automatic irrigation systems
during freezing weather.
Protect orchids and tropical foliage
plants from temperatures below 45 degrees.
Edge landscape beds and renew
mulches.
Schedule needed tree trimming now to
be ready for severe 2012 weather.
Crape myrtle grooming can begin this
month; remove only the seed heads and small twigs.
Cooler weather is a good time to add
new tree, shrub and ground cover plantings.
Pruning time is over for most plants;
out of bounds shoots can be removed as needed.
Consider small storm resistant trees
in scale with the landscape when making new selections.
Cool weather may have caused cold
sensitive foliage plants to yellow; move them indoors.
Consider small storm resistant trees
in scale with the landscape when making new selections.
Container gardens are a good way to
enjoy plants in the landscape.
Groom hanging baskets and planters by
removing old flowers and lanky stems.
Test soil acidity in azalea,
philodendron and ixora plantings and adjust if needed.
Move holiday gift plants to the patio
during warm days.
Dig and move trees and shrubs from
one area of the landscape to another.
Begin pruning hardy trees, shrubs and
vines by month's end.
Remove declining warm season and
early maturing cool season crops. .
Plant the cool season vegetables and
herbs your family enjoys.
Tomatoes need extra time to ripen
their fruits during the cool weather.
Start seeds of tomatoes, peppers, and
eggplants in early January for the spring garden.
Water only when needed; install
soaker hoses or micro-sprinklers to water the gardens.
Plant clusters of flowers that bring
pollinators into the garden.
Save shipping charges; locate seeds,
bulbs and transplants locally.
Prepare spring planting sites by
adding lots of organic matter to sandy soils.
Feed winter vegetables and
herbs monthly.
Prune apple, grape, peach, pear and
fig plantings.
Plant new fruit trees, shrubs and
vines.
Turn fallen leaves into compost.
Move sensitive plants back from the
window during the cold weather.
Keep holiday plants through winter
with adequate water and monthly feedings.
Trim off yellow leaves and declining
flower stalks.
Move declining plants into the higher
light levels.
Add new foliage plants to the home.
Wash indoor foliage to remove dust
and control pests.
Remove bulbs from the refrigerator
after their cold treatment for forcing.
Water foliage plants when the soil
dries to the touch.
