Snow and Ice on Trees and Shrubs
As we get into winter, the threat of damage from snow and ice is always near. When snow piles up on evergreens, try to gently brush it off. Don't shake the branches as this may cause them to break. If the snow is frozen on the branch and will not brush off easily, it is best to let it melt naturally, to avoid damage to the tree or shrub.
If tree limbs break due to the weight of ice or snow, it is advisable to have the broken limbs removed as soon as the weather permits. Hanging branches can be a danger to passing pedestrians. Also, the tree will be able to heal the wound better in spring, if the wound has clean edges, instead of ragged tears.
Sometimes in the middle of winter, we suddenly get a few warm days. For the most part, this is not a big problem, but you may need to check on a couple of things.
If you covered your roses with rose cones, you may need to ventilate the cone to prevent heat from building up inside. The same should be done with cold frames. If it is a warm, sunny day, the temperatures may be rising in the cold frame more than you expect. Remember to close vents as the temperatures drops again at night.
Amaryllis for the Holidays
Select a bulb that is at least 2 ½ inches in diameter. Smaller bulbs will not bloom. Larger bulbs (4 inches) produce better, often developing two flowers stalks instead of one. Make sure the bulbs are firm and free of soft spots and discoloration.
The container for the bulb should be about 2 inches bigger in diameter than the bulb. The planting mix should drain well. Plant so that about one third of the bulb shows above the soil level. After planting, the planting mix should be thoroughly watered. Keep the mix consistently moist.
Keep the bulb in a warm room (70-75°F) during rooting and early stalk development. As the flower buds begin to form, reduce temperatures to about 65°F to prolong flowering. The bulb should be kept in a well lighted area. During flowering, the plant is best kept in bright, but indirect light.
During stalk development, fertilize with a complete fertilizer (one that contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). Follow the label directions that come with the fertilizer you buy. The directions will tell you how much to use.
With proper care, the plant should be flowering within 6-8 weeks after planting the bulb. Duration of the flowers will be dependent on the temperature and light level in the room where the plant is being kept. As each flower fades, cut it off. After all the flowers have faded, remove the entire flower stalk. Do not remove the leaves. They will produce food and strengthen the bulb so that it can flower again next year.
Evergreen Wreaths and Swags
Natural evergreen wreaths and swags are very popular decorations during the holiday season. When selecting a wreath or swag check to see that it is fresh. Fresh evergreen decorations should have a good fragrance. The needles should be pliable. If the fragrance is missing or the needles seem dry and are falling off, the wreath is old and should not be purchased.
Expect your evergreen decorations to have a limited lifetime. If the decorations are fresh and are displayed outdoors, they may last up to four weeks. Fresh evergreen decorations displayed indoors in heat and dry air may last only a week. Watch these decorations, especially when used indoors, so they do not become a fire hazard.
Look for a full plant with dark green leaves and brightly colored bracts. Examine the true flowers, which are the small, round yellow parts in the center of the bracts. If they are tightly closed, it is an indicator that the plant is fresh. As the plant ages, the true flowers will open. Avoid plants that are wilted, that have faded bracts, or have lost their leaves. These plants have received improper care and will not be long lasting.
When purchasing the plant, be sure to have the store clerk wrap the plant in a paper sleeve or bag. Poinsettias are tropical plants and are subject to chilling injury at temperatures below 50°F. Do not leave the plant in a cold car while shopping, or carry it home in the trunk.
Poinsettias must be cared for properly to insure that they flower well for a long time. Water so that the planting mix is consistently moist. Do not let the soil become soggy or overly dry as this will stress the plant and decrease flowering time. A plant that has its pot wrapped in decorative foil is at risk for over-watering. Punch holes in the foil to let water drain through. Do not let the poinsettia sit in a saucer full of water.
Keep the plant in a cool room (65-70°F) during the day and drop the night temperatures another 5 degrees if possible. This will help to extend the flowering time. Place the plant where it will not be affected by either hot or cold drafts.
Give the plant good light. Bright, indirect light is ideal. The plant can be placed in direct sunlight but this may increase its water needs. North facing windows get very little light and should be avoided.
Spring is not that far away. Use the winter months to look through all those garden catalogs that you are receiving in the mail. Check with your local Extension office to see if they are offering any gardening classes. Plan your garden now so you are ready to plant when spring arrives.
Garden tidbit: If you order seeds from catalogs, get your order in by the end of January. Early orders help insure that you get the seeds you want and that they arrive in time to start them indoors.
Household Tidbit: Are you using firewood this winter? If so, do not bring it into the house until you are ready to burn it. Insects may be living in the wood and if it is kept indoors for an extended period of time, those insects may leave the wood and walk around your house.
Household tidbit: Houseplants don't grow much in winter months, so they generally do not need fertilizer. As days start to lengthen watch for new growth (possibly as early as February) and fertilize at that time.
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