December
garden calendar
n TREES AND SHRUBS • Keep heavy snowfall from limbs of trees/shrubs by lightly shaking. • Avoid shoveling snow onto trees and shrubs to prevent breakage and prolonged snow cover. • Protect the trunks of young trees and branches of shrubs from rabbit damage. • Living Christmas trees are special, leave inside the home no longer than one week then acclimate to outdoors and plant. • Prune damaged branches as needed throughout the winter months. • Water newly planted trees and shrubs to prevent dry soil conditions. • Provide good soil moisture for all evergreens during winter. • Mulch roots of tender shrubs such as azaleas and rhododendrons to keep vigorous during winter. • Prune branches of junipers, pines, hollies and other plants to use as holiday decorations. n LAWNS • Rake fallen leaves to prevent suffocation. • Keep limbs and other debris picked up. • Negotiate lawn service contract. • Store unused fertilizers in a 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. • Winterize power equipment by changing oil, draining gas and lubricating all moving parts. n FLOWERS • Evaluate the garden and make notes to assist in future planning. • Mulch hybrid tea and other grafted roses by mounding soil 6 to 8 inches deep over the plants to protect the graft. • Mulch perennial beds with a 2 to 4-inch layer of straw, shredded leaves or other lightweight material. • Cut tall hybrid tea roses back to 18 to 24-inches to reduce wind whipping and plant damage.
• Remove old stems and growth on perennials. • Pull and discard dead annuals. • Till garden soil and incorporate organic matter for next year. • Review new garden catalogs and make selections. • Test soil to help determine soil needs for the next growing season. • Continue to plant spring flowering bulbs, water and mulch. • Give plants or gift certificates as holiday gifts for gardening friends. n VEGETABLES AND FRUITS • Till soil and incorporate organic matter for next season. • Take a soil test. • Store leftover seeds in a cool, dry location such as a sealed jar in the refrigerator. • Turn compost pile to encourage winter breakdown. • Check vegetables in storage for spoilage. • Mulch strawberries for winter protection. • Protect trunks of fruit trees from rabbit damage with tree wraps. • Pick up fallen fruit and discard to reduce disease and insect problems next year. • Clean and oil garden hand tools for winter. • Repair equipment now to avoid spring rush. • Start planning for next year by making notes and preparing orders. n HOUSEPLANTS • Enjoy poinsettias longer by placing in bright light, keeping away from hot/cold drafts and water evenly so the soil does not dry out. • Purchase other holiday plants for a festive touch such as cactus and amaryllis. • Watch plants for signs of insect infestations and treat. • Wash plants to remove dust layer. • Rotate plants in the light to produce a balanced plant. • Water as needed to keep soil moist, avoid standing water in plant trays. • Reduce or quit fertilizing during winter. • Give plants as holiday gifts. • To avoid leaf damage, watch for hot or cold drafts on plants.
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.
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December 2013 / The Kansas City Gardener
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