dragonflyF15's WunderBlog

December Do's

Posted by: dragonflyF15, 6:54 PM GMT on November 29, 2012

Zone 4-6, this is your list!

Houseplants:
-Water houseplants with tepid water. Cold tap water may shock plants
-Be sure newly purchased indoor plants are well protected for the trip home. Exposure to icy temperatures for even a few moments may cause injury.
-Overwintering geraniums like bright light and cool temperatures. Keep soils on the dry side.
-On cold nights, move houseplants back from icy windows to prevent chilling injury.
-Holiday Poinsettia basics: - sun for at least half the day. - keep away from drafts, registers and radiators. - night temperatures in 50's or low 60's, days at 70 degrees. - the soil should dry only slightly between thorough waterings. Discard the drainage. - be sure to punch holes in decorative foil wraps to prevent soggy soil conditions.

Ornamentals:
-Hairspray works well to keep seed heads and dried flowers intact on wreaths and arrangements.
-Living Christmas tree basics: - dig the planting hole before the ground freezes. - mulch and cover the backfill soil and the planting hole to keep them dry and unfrozen. - don't allow the tree's roots to become dry. - spray with an anti-transpirant to reduce needle moisture loss. - store the tree outdoors in a cool, shady, windless area until the last minute. Mulch the roots to prevent cold injury. - set the tree up in your coolest room. - don't keep the tree indoors for more than one week. Plant outdoors promptly.
-Be sure the root zones of azaleas and rhododendrons are thoroughly mulched. Any organic material will do, but mulches made from oak leaves, shredded oak bark, or pine needles are preferred.
-Christmas trees hold needles longer if you make a clean, fresh cut at the base and always keep the trunk standing in water.
-Only female holly trees bear the colorful berries. There must be a male tree growing nearby for pollination, if fruits are desired.
-Hollies may be trimmed now and the prunings used in holiday decorations.

Miscellaneous:
-If you feed rabbits corn or alfalfa, they may leave fruit tree bark unharmed.
-Apply mulches to bulbs, perennials and other small plants once the ground freezes.
-All power equipment should be winterized before storage. Change the oil and lubricate moving parts. Either drain fuel systems or mix a gas stabilizing additive into the tank.
-Clean and oil all garden hand tools before storing for winter.