December Garden tips

December Garden Tips

Lawn & Garden Tips

Vegetables in Season

Cabbage

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Leafy Greens

Mushrooms

Sweet Potatoes

House Plant Care

Now that summer is over, and frost is upon us, it’s time to have those houseplants indoors. Most houseplants are tropical and the in house environment can be stressful. The biggest problem is humidity. The humidity in the house is generally very low and can sometimes cause browning of leaves. In order to prevent this, one could place a humidifier in the room where the plants are or simply use a spray bottle to mist the plants once or twice a day. This will make the indoor environment much more conducive to growth. It is also important to make sure you water regularly but don’t flood your plants. House plants like moist soil but not saturated. Lastly, watch out for insects such as aphids and whitefly. These insects can infest houseplants throughout the winter.

Remember: “houseplants give us oxygen for our lungs and food for our soul”

Poinsettias & Holiday Plants

When selecting poinsettias, look for plants with yellow flowers (in the centers of the colored leaves) that are not quite open. Tight flower buds are a good indication that the plant is fresh and healthy. Once you bring your poinsettia home keep it in an area that receives bright light for at least 6 hours per day and has a constant temperature of about 65-70°F. Keep poinsettias away from doorways or other areas that are drafty, and keep them well watered but not over watered.

*Mistletoe should be kept away from children and pets in your home. The berries of mistletoe are toxic.*

Winter Damage to Plants

Winter is a stressful time for plants. Take the time to mulch them well and protect those tender plants with row covers. Do not fertilize plants with a nitrogen fertilizer in the winter and hold off pruning damaged plants until the coldest part of winter is over. This will allow you more options when try to recover a plant that has been severely cold or ice damaged.

Bird Feeders

Bird feeders should be cleaned monthly with hot sudsy water to prevent the spread of wild bird diseases.

Christmas Trees

Buy your Christmas tree early for best selection and care of tree. By following these suggestions, you can reduce the risk of a fire hazard in the home:

· Keep the tree in a bucket of water, in a shady location outdoors or in an unheated room until you are ready to place it inside.

· Re-cut the butt of the tree making a new avenue for water entry immediately prior to placing in your tree stand and bringing it indoors

· While indoors, keep watered at all times.

· The tree needs only fresh water; additives are of little or no value.

*The use of brand names in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service of the products or services named nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned.*

In The Garden…..

Spring Bulbs

If you have not planted those spring flowering bulbs, better get at it, and always plant quality bulbs. Larger bulbs produce larger flowers. Pansy plants set among bulbs will give the ground a great winter and spring cover and allow the bulbs to come right through in the spring.

Go on Weed Patrol

Many people take a break in the winter but now is the time to be spraying and pulling all the winter weeds such as chickweed and henbit. These will produce millions of seeds if not destroyed before they flower!

Care of Balled & Burlapped Plants

When Transplanting “B&B” plants, lift by the ball of soil. Don’t use the trunk or stems as a handle because the soil will break away from the roots. A B&B plant should be kept watered to prevent drying out during the period before it is planted. If it cannot be planted immediately, “heel in” plants temporarily. “Heeling in” means digging a trench, laying the plants at a 45 degree angle, and placing soil over the root ball. Water well. This system provides more even soil moisture within the ball and prevents the root system from freezing during low temperature periods

Lawn & Gardening T

NC State University and NC A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation.

NC Cooperative Extension Service

Davidson County Center

301 East Center Street

Lexington, NC 27292

Phone: 336-242-2085

Fax: 336-249-7300

Web: http://davidson.ces.ncsu.edu

Scott Welborn

Consumer Horticulture Agent

E-mail: scott_welborn@ncsu.edu

Gift Ideas for the Gardener

Tools are always a good idea for the gardener. If giving tools try to find those that are good quality. Cheaply made tools are more of a hindrance than a help.