Category
|
Week
|
Activity
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
|
| Houseplants |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
Water houseplants with tepid water. Cold tap water may shock plants. |
|
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
Be sure newly purchased indoor plants are well protected for the trip home. Exposure to icy temperatures for even a few moments may cause injury. |
|
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
Overwintering geraniums like bright light and cool temperatures. Keep soils on the dry side. |
|
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
On cold nights, move houseplants back from icy windows to prevent chilling injury. |
|
|
o
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
Holiday Poinsettia basics:
- sun for at least half the day.
- keep away from drafts, registers and radiators.
- night temperatures in 50's or low 60's, days at 70 degrees.
- the soil should dry only slightly between thorough waterings. Discard the drainage.
- be sure to punch holes in decorative foil wraps to prevent soggy soil conditions. |
| Ornamentals |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
Hairspray works well to keep seed heads and dried flowers intact on wreaths and arrangements. |
|
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
Living Christmas tree basics:
- dig the planting hole before the ground freezes.
- mulch and cover the backfill soil and the planting hole to keep them dry and unfrozen.
- don't allow the tree's roots to become dry.
- spray with an anti-transpirant to reduce needle moisture loss.
- store the tree outdoors in a cool, shady, windless area until the last minute. Mulch the roots to prevent cold injury.
- set the tree up in your coolest room.
- don't keep the tree indoors for more than one week. Plant outdoors promptly. |
|
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
Be sure the root zones of azaleas and rhododendrons are thoroughly mulched. Any organic material will do, but mulches made from oak leaves, shredded oak bark, or pine needles are preferred. |
|
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
o
|
Christmas trees hold needles longer if you make a clean, fresh cut at the base and always keep the trunk standing in water. |
|
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
o
|
Only female holly trees bear the colorful berries. There must be a male tree growing nearby for pollination, if fruits are desired. |
|
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
o
|
Hollies may be trimmed now and the prunings used in holiday decorations. |
| Miscellaneous |
x
|
o
|
o
|
o
|
Apply mulches to bulbs, perennials and other small plants once the ground freezes. |
|
|
x
|
o
|
o
|
o
|
All power equipment should be winterized before storage. Change the oil and lubricate moving parts. Either drain fuel systems or mix a gas stabilizing additive into the tank. |
|
|
x
|
o
|
o
|
o
|
Clean and oil all garden hand tools before storing for winter. |
|
|
x
|
o
|
o
|
o
|
If you feed rabbits corn or alfalfa, they may leave fruit tree bark unharmed. |
