News: Winter CheckPlant for Mild-Climate Gardens

 
 
 
In mild-winter regions, the cool season doesn’t signal the end of gardening. There are plenty of things to keep you busy as the new year begins, from planting and pruning to spraying and fertilizing. Don’t know where to begin? Here’s your guide.
Plant Bare-Root
Bare-root plants are a great bargain. Shop for roses, fruit trees, cane berries, and Strawberries.  Nurseries and garden centers also carry bare-root Asparagus, Artichokes-  all available at just the right planting time for your area.
The Ideal Time to Prune
Sharpen your shears and loppers, and grab your saw, then head outside to prune roses. Remove dead, damaged, or weak canes, leaving just the 3-5 strongest ones. Cut back what’s left by one-half to two-thirds. Prune before buds start to swell. Don’t forget to prune trees and shrubs. Leave the spring bloomers – you risk removing this year’s flowers if you prune now. In regions where frost is still possible, wait to prune tender plants like Tibouchina or citrus until the danger has passed.
Spray For Pests
Apply horticultural oil, such as Natria Neem Oil, to dormant plants, including fruit trees, roses, and ornamental trees. If you’re pruning these plants, apply oil afterward. Oil sprays smother overwintering insects, larvae, and eggs. To help control pests and diseases, spray dormant fruit trees with horticultural oil mixed with a fungicide, according to label instructions. Consult your local Cooperative Extension System office to learn which spray to use for specific plants and pest problems. Always read and follow label instructions, especially regarding ideal weather conditions for success.
Watering
Winter is usually the rainy season for some areas, but you never know when mother nature will decide to change things up and throw in a dry spell., Besides, strong winds can dry plants, especially evergreens. So, make sure to water through dry spells. Pay special attention to last fall’s plantings, particularly Rhododendrons and other broadleaf evergreens. And don’t forget to water plants beneath wide eaves, porches, or in other areas rain can’t reach. Unless it gets very warm, most cactus and succulents can get through winter without supplemental water.
Feed
Fertilize cool-season annuals, such as Pansies, Violas, and Snapdragons, growing in containers and beds. Emerging bulbs benefit from nitrogen fertilizer scratched lightly into the soil. Feed citrus 6-8 weeks before bloom. Don’t forget to fertilize winter vegetables like lettuce, broccoli, and carrots.
Protect From Cold
Frost and freezes can damage tender plants, such as citrus, Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, and subtropical cacti, such as Adenium and Euphorbia. Cover plants with plastic tents, frost blankets, or sheets if nights are predicted to be especially cold. Move tender container plants to protected locations.
Design For Future Winters
Closely examine your winter garden. Take photos of different planting areas and specific views you see from inside your home through windows and doors. Could you improve some areas in terms of winter beauty?  Maybe add trees with colorful bark or a strong structural presence? Or possibly, some winter bloomers? Visit local public gardens or nurseries to find plants that can help enhance the winter show in your yard.
 
People’s Newsroom Mobilization Network

• Usfoor – Family Coach
• The Business Gates – Family Businesses & Climate Change Issues
• Bawarchikhanaa – Family Kitchen & Hygiene
• Mooeeza – Animal, Birds & Aqua Care
• LTA Sense – Medical Care
• Tafsiralahlam – Interpretation Site
• Praise of Plants – Praisers
• The Organic Rehab – Media Direction Lab
• The Home Improvement – Smart Homes
• Iqra – Religious Order Addressors
• Econ Theories – Bureau of Economics
• Webstreets – Web Journalism Bureau
• Component Replacement – Component Solution Alternators
• Aaila – Earlier Heaven Pursuit
• Moral Streets – Moral Tellers
• Quloob – Oneirocritic
• Waqt – Script Explanators
• The Virtuoso – Prayer Evangilists
• Khalaq – Educationists
• Almaraf – Tutors