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11-20-03 JuneHOME (Indoor plants and activities) Check houseplant leaves for brown, dry edges, which indicate
too little relative humidity in the house. Increase humidity by running
a humidifier, grouping plants or using pebble trays.
Because growth slows or stops in winter
months, most plants will require less water and little, if any, fertilizer.
If you are forcing bulbs for the holidays,
bring them into warmer temperatures after they have been sufficiently
pre-cooled. Bulbs require a chilling period of about 10 to 12 weeks at
40 F to initiate flower buds and establish root growth. Pre-cooled bulbs
are available from many garden suppliers if you did not get yours cooled
in time. Then, provide two to four weeks of warm temperature (60 F), bright
light and moderately moist soil to bring on flowers.
When shopping for a Christmas tree,
check for green, flexible, firmly held needles and a sticky trunk base
-- both indicators of freshness. Make a fresh cut, and keep the cut end
under water at all times. Evergreens, except pines and spruce,
can be trimmed now for a fresh supply of holiday greenery. Prevent bark-splitting of young and thin-barked trees,
such as fruit and maple trees. Wrap trunks with tree wrap, or paint trunks
with white latex (not oil-based) paint, particularly on the south- and
southwest-facing sides. Protect shrubs, such as junipers and
arborvitae, from extensive snow loads by tying their stems together with
twine. Carefully remove heavy snow loads with a broom to prevent limb
breakage. Protect broadleaves, evergreens or other
tender landscape plants from excessive drying (desiccation) by winter
sun and wind. Canvas, burlap or polyethylene plastic screens to the south
and west protect the plants. Similarly, shield plants from salt spray
on the street side. Provide winter protection for roses
by mounding soil approximately 12 inches high to insulate the graft union,
after plants are dormant and temperatures are cold. Additional organic
mulch, such as straw compost or chopped leaves, can be placed on top. To protect newly planted or tender perennials and bulbs,
mulch with straw, chopped leaves or other organic material after plants
become dormant. Store leftover garden chemicals where
they will stay dry, unfrozen and out of the reach of children, pets and
unsuspecting adults. Once the plants are completely dormant
and temperatures are consistently below freezing, then the winter mulch
can be applied to protect strawberries and other tender perennials. In
most cases, 2-4 inches of organic material, such as straw, pine needles,
hay or bark chips, will provide adequate protection. Check produce and tender bulbs in storage,
and discard any that show signs of decay, such as mold or softening. Shriveling
indicates insufficient relative humidity. Clean up dead plant materials, synthetic
mulch and other debris in the vegetable garden, as well as in the flower
beds, rose beds and orchards. Order seed catalogs, and make notes
for next year's garden.
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