December in finally upon us, if you are like me, you have a 100 or more things on your mind besides your lawn and garden needs. Well, let’s take a few minutes to discuss a few things that need to be addressed before we get on with the holiday season.

 

            Hopefully you have been doing the chores necessary to send all your wonderful plants and lawn to bed for the season. If not, don’t despair there is always next season. This time of year I want to concentrate on winterizing for the chilly weather to come.

 

            The list below will get you well on your way.

 

1. Bring inside any tender annuals or perennials that you have enjoyed in containers.

 

2. Make sure that you have supplied adequate mulch (at least 3 in.) at the base of all plants and trees.

 

3. Do not allow a thick layer of fallen leaves to remain on your lawn for extended periods of time.

 

4. If you have tender plants that are planted in the soil but do suffer from cold leaf damage these will need to be covered, I strongly suggest that you do this when temperatures dip below 30 degrees. The best material to use is either a burlap or fabric material. PLEASE DO NOT USE PLASTIC THIS WILL BURN YOUR LEAVES.

 

5. Plants can and do dry out in the winter. They will need an occasional watering unless you are receiving rain on a regular basis.

 

6. Finally, this is a wonderful time to plant. The plant roots will establish themselves and grow more quickly next spring. Just remember the steps above.

 

 

From our nursery family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year,

 

Weekend Gardener/ Mike Wilson