GARDEN CALENDAR December list of what to do in the garden.
VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
• Store unused seeds in a cool, dry location or refrigerator. • Check vegetables and fruit in storage for spoilage. • Mulch strawberries for winter protection. • Clean and oil garden hand tools for winter. • Till soil and add organic matter. • Soil test now to be beat the spring rush. • Store unused garden chemicals in a dry, safe location protected from freezing. • Update garden journal of the season’s success and failure. • Start planning for next spring on cold winter nights.
FLOWERS
• Mulch grafted roses by mounding soil 6 to 8 inches deep to protect the graft. • Cut tall hybrid tea roses back to 24 inches to reduce wind whipping and plant damage. • Mulch tender perennials prone to frost heaving with 2 to 4 inches of shredded leaves.
• Continue to plant spring flowering bulbs until the ground is frozen. • Give plants or gift certificates as holiday gifts for gardening friends. • Empty decorative pots and containers, storing inside.
LAWN
• Remove leaves, limbs, and other debris from lawn to prevent suffocation. • Store unused fertilizers in dry location and out of reach of children and pets. • Store pesticides in a cool (not freezing) dry location, out of reach of children and pets. • Review lawn service contracts. • Water fall planted grass as needed. • Avoid extensive walking on frozen grass.
TREES AND SHRUBS
• Lightly shake heavy snowfall from limbs to avoid damage. • Avoid shoveling snow onto trees and shrubs. • Check and protect the trunks of young trees and shrubs for rabbit damage.
•L eave living Christmas trees in the home less than one week, then acclimate to the outdoors and plant in a desirable location. •P rune damaged branches throughout the winter months. • Water newly planted trees and shrubs in winter to prevent dry soil conditions. •M ulch roots of tender shrubs such as azaleas and rhododendrons. •P rune branches of junipers, pines, hollies and other plants for holiday decorations.
MISCELLANEOUS
• Start planning for next year by making notes and preparing orders. • Turn compost pile to encourage winter breakdown. • Make your Christmas list adding gardening supplies. • Keep houseplants out of hot and cold drafts. • Winter is a great time to soil test. • Use ice melts sparingly to reduce damage to nearby lawns, shrubs and concrete.
MY GARDEN (Use this space to list additional tasks to accomplish in your garden.)
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Johnson County K-State Research and Extension recommends environmentally-friendly gardening practices. This starts by identifying and monitoring problems. Cultural practices and controls are the best approach for a healthy garden. If needed, use physical, biological or chemical controls. Always consider the least toxic approach first. Dennis Patton is the horticulture agent for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. For free information fact sheets, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu, or call the Extension office at 913-715-7000. 18
December 2020 | kcgmag.com
