URGENT UPDATE: As the New Year begins, gardeners must act fast to protect their plants and plan for the spring season. January 1, 2025, marks a critical time for outdoor gardening, with essential tasks to ensure the health of your landscape.
What just happened? The Lazy Berkshire Gardener has outlined immediate actions that all gardeners must take to safeguard their plants during the harsh winter months. With cold weather persisting and snow still on the ground, now is the time to implement protective measures.
Why this matters RIGHT NOW: Failure to act could lead to irreversible damage to your plants. Snow can insulate young perennial plants, while monitoring evergreens is crucial to prevent broken branches. The time to prepare is NOW, before harsh winter conditions worsen.
Key actions to take:
1. **Gather Remaining Snow**: Mound snow over young perennials to shield them from winter burn.
2. **Monitor Evergreens**: After heavy snowfall, gently shake off snow from branches to prevent breakage.
3. **Inspect for Bagworm**: Look for silken bags on arborvitae, juniper, maple, or oak. Remove and destroy any egg-filled bags to protect your plants.
Bird feeders need attention! As bird activity increases, ensure feeders are clean to prevent disease among wild birds. Regularly refill your feeders and wash perches to keep our feathered friends safe.
Deer Repellents Essential: Although winter weather remains, deer are quick to munch on ornamentals. Stock up on deer repellents and plan to reapply on the next mild day to deter them.
Winter Sales Opportunity: January is prime time to snag houseplants on sale. Brighten your indoor space with flowering plants like hellebore, which can transition outdoors in spring.
Houseplant Care Tips: Maintain consistent moisture for indoor plants and avoid drafts. If you notice browning leaf tips, adjust your watering habits and avoid over-fertilizing. Room temperature water is ideal for plant absorption.
Storage Check: Inspect stored flower bulbs like dahlias and gladiolus. Ensure they are firm and mold-free, keeping them in a cool, dark place.
Start New Projects: This month is perfect for starting oat or wheat grass indoors. Both germinate quickly and provide fresh greens for you or your feline companions.
Planning for Spring: Begin a wish list of plants using reliable online resources like the UConn Plant Database or Missouri Botanical Garden. Focus on native plants suitable for your region to ensure successful growth.
As the Lazy Berkshire Gardener advises, remember to be mindful of your gardening limits. Avoid impulse purchases from seed catalogs—plan your garden according to what you can realistically maintain.
Next Steps: Implement these urgent tasks to ensure the health of your garden. Share your gardening plans and tips with friends and family to spread awareness about essential winter gardening practices.
This is the time to take action and ensure your gardening efforts yield beautiful results come spring!
