TULSA MASTER GARDENERS

December

Gardening Tasks Reminder

By Shirley Miller, Master Gardener

F ertilize

Apply second fall application of fertilizer to cool season grass.

W ater

Water Azaleas/Rhododendrons before hard frost. Continue watering Evergreens to maintain hardiness. Keep tropical houseplants evenly moist.

M ulch

Mulch Azaleas, Rhododendrons after a hard frost. Mulch strawberries the day after Christmas. Mulch all newly planted shrubs and trees. Perennial beds benefit from layer of mulch, but only after the soil freezes.

P rune

Trim Evergreens to furnish materials for holiday decorating. Keep in a cool dry place until ready to use.

P lant

Plant any left-over spring flowering bulbs.

Tips

• Rake leaves from Fescue grass.
  
• Keep traffic to a minimum on frozen grass, even if it is dormant.
  
• Salt applied to melt ice is deadly to plants and grasses. Use ice melt instead.
  
• Suspend fertilization of houseplants.
  
• Check young trees. Bright sunny days during the winter can cause split bark. Apply Tree wraps.
  
• To prepare next year's beds add compost or manure. At a minimum spade and leave rough.
  
• Collect leaves for the compost pile.
  
• Pot up some Paper white narcissus and/or amaryllis to brighten dull winter days.
  
• Place your poinsettias away from blowing heat or drafts, as well as direct sun.
  
• Check leftover seeds. Seeds will stay viable if sealed and placed in the freezer.
  
• Check houseplants for pests. White flies are some of the most harmful pests to indoor plants.
  

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

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