Now that the tryptophan from Thanksgiving has worked its way out of our systems, we can get back to cleaning up our gardens after the big wind storm a few weeks ago and the recent freeze. We can be thankful that we didn’t have to deal with snow — although snow is actually a gardener’s friend.
Here are some things to do when you find yourself going stir-crazy:
General cleanup. With the recent hard freeze, it’s safe to say that summer annuals can be removed and perennials can be cut back. Most leaves are now down, so either rake them into the beds and leave them until February (whatever nutrients are in them will be leached into the soil) or rake them up and follow up with a fresh 1-inch layer of mulch (EB Stone Organics bales of compost are easy and convenient unless you can go bulk).
Disease and insect control. Clean up all leaves under fruit trees to prevent the spread of diseases. If you have had issues with scab and mildew and worms then one or two applications of Bonide Orchard Spray (contains sulfur and pyrethrum, both natural products) on one of winter’s nice days will help. Monterey Copper and Oil is another option that has a low toxicity. These products are great for all deciduous plants, not just fruit trees. Spray once this month and again in early February.
Pruning. For the most part, save your pruning for the month of February after the hard freezes have passed. Of course there’s nothing wrong with a little light pruning any time of the year, but hard-core pruning is best left until February. Tidy up your hedges, cut back the perennials and hold off on the rest. As gardeners we often have the urge to clean up the first chance we get, but by leaving things alone until February we can help protect the garden from really hard freezes. Also by leaving our beds “messy,” it gives the birds something to rustle through as they look for insects and seeds.
Winter protection. Watch weather forecasts and be ready for when the temperature drops below 20 degrees. Move containers close to the house or even into the garage for a few days. Cover tender plants in the garden with some kind of material that will hold in heat, be it a wool blanket or a commercial frost fabric. Even a loosened bale of straw or pile of twigs and leaves will help. Leave the protection on the plant until more moderate temperatures, then remove so the plant can breathe. Also, be sure to drain your bird baths and fountains so they don’t break.
Lawns. It’s a slow time for lawns, but they will benefit from a late application of lime and an organic fertilizer like EB Stone Organics Nature’s Green. Watch for diseases like red thread and treat with Bonide Infuse. Keep off the grass when it is frozen.
Planting. Yes Virginia, it’s OK to plant this time of year, as long as the ground isn’t frozen or so saturated that the hole fills with water all on its own. You can find a surprising array of plant material in garden centers this time of year, including many that are actually blooming. Don’t be afraid to go looking for some new treasures and remember you can still plant bulbs all the way until the end of the year.
Steve Smith is owner of Sunnyside Nursery in Marysville and can be reached online at info@sunnysidenursery.net.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
