By Shirley Miller
Master Gardener
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December

Gardening Tasks Reminder

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

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.

P ests:
Adult slugs are probably done for the season, but their eggs are laying dormant waiting for the temps to get to around 40F before they burst forth to forage for food among our snow-tortured, blackened plants.

T ips:
  • 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.

Contact the Master Gardeners at the Tulsa County Extension for more information.

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URI:/calendars/caltips_dec.shtml   Date Modified:Tuesday, 27-Oct-2009 12:49:22 EDT   Monday, 22-Mar-2010 08:01:25 GMT