January Gardening Chores

• Now is a good time to think about pruning your fruit trees. The pruning could also be done in February or even March.  Pruning when temperatures are below 20 degrees F is not advisable because there may be injury to the wood tissue. It is important to do the pruning before dormant sprays are applied to the trees to avoid spraying some of the wood then pruning it out and discarding it. Also, you are more likely to get total coverage of limbs, branches and shoots after you have pruned. In the sequence of pruning, prune older trees first. The older, larger wood will tolerate low temperatures more than young trees with small diameter wood.
• Keep Watering. One of the worst things to happen to plants is a dry freeze. If we have a dry fall or winter don't forget to keep all your plants hydrated. Especially new plants. Keeping your evergreen plants watered will also cut down on excessive needle loss.
• Keep  fertilizer to  a minimum in regard to houseplants. Plant growth during the 'short' daylight months is at its slowest. After all...houseplants need a period of 'rest', too!
• Don't Forget Our Feathered Friends! Remember, birds not only need food in the winter, they need water as well. Bird bath heaters are available at most all garden centers and nurseries for a minimal cost. Also remember to keep your feeders clean!
• Mulch! Before now you should have already checked your mulch, but if you haven't now is a perfect time to go out and make sure all that mulch hasn't washed away or become part of your soil. A good 3-4" of mulch is a good rule of thumb. If a hard winter is predicted, we recommend 5-7" of mulch.
• Pruning. January to mid-February is a perfect time to prune deciduous trees. Dead, damaged or unsightly limbs can safely be removed this time of year. You can also prune back suckers (small branches growing at the base of the tree) now.

Timely Tips

• Protect your liquid pesticides from freezing. This could cause many products to lose potency.
• If you have a cool season lawn, keep the leaves removed. Leaves left on the grass is only an invitation for pest and diseases. It is also a good idea to mow with a mulching mower.
• Start planning a new landscape or your vegetable garden NOW! There are literally hundreds (if not thousands) of mail order catalogs & magazines as well as websites that can give you ideas.
• Bring color into your home with a blooming tropical plant like a cyclamen orchid or bromeliad. These plants are all easy to care for and bloom throughout the winter months.