Inspired by the
Garden
WINTER GARDEN CHECKLIST December If you haven’t already, apply a layer of mulch on all of your planting beds, especially around your perennials. Plant young pecan and other deciduous fruit trees and grapes. Dormant season pruning can be done from December through February for most species of woody plants. Avoid rock salt (sodium chloride) to melt sidewalk and driveway ice. Products made of calcium chloride or potassium chloride cause less damage to plants. For traction, sprinkle sand, kitty litter, or wood ashes sparingly. Consider a gift membership to Huntsville Botanical Garden for the holidays. It is a dualpurpose gift, supporting the organization while providing thoughtful, lasting presents to your family and friends.
January Be careful not to overwater indoor houseplants as water needs are typically lower this time of year, even indoors. If interested in growing from seed, collect all of your seed starting materials together so you’ll be ready to go. You will need lights, heat mats, a sterile potting medium, and your preferred pot type. Purchase any seeds needed that weren’t saved from the previous season (see p.10-12 for more details). Last chance to plant spring flowering bulbs. For example, Dutch bulbs will flower if planted now. Plant roses. Consider old fashioned and disease tolerant cultivars.
February If needed, now is the time to prune your fruit trees, roses, berry bushes, and other woody ornamentals. You want to complete this while still dormant and before spring growth begins. Fertilize fruit trees. Tree and shrub planting season continues. Prepare beds for spring and summer annuals by weeding the bed and loosening up the soil. Place birdhouses built this winter outdoors this month. Birds will begin looking for nesting sites soon.
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
Send your questions to our plant experts at plantinfo@hsvbg.org.