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.

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1. GardenGrrl 9:00 PM GMT on November 29, 2012
Hi Dragon! One more tip; if you have a venus fly trap it needs to go dormant for a few months. If your temps are between 40f and 34f, you can keep it outside in protected area. Otherwise, the refridgerator will do, just make sure it is protected from the other contents in the fridge. Keep moist but not wet. Oh yeah, it will turn black and look dead but will revive come spring. Member Since: March 25, 2007 Posts: 220 Comments: 7361

2. dragonflyF15 4:53 PM GMT on December 02, 2012
Thanks! Good tips :) Member Since: February 13, 2006 Posts: 185 Comments: 2146

3. Barefootontherocks 12:26 AM GMT on December 24, 2012
Hi F15, Hope Santa's good to you. ;) Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Member Since: April 29, 2006 Posts: 136 Comments: 16518

4. GardenGrrl 11:08 AM GMT on December 24, 2012
Member Since: March 25, 2007 Posts: 220 Comments: 7361

5. palmettobug53 10:00 PM GMT on December 24, 2012
May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace, The gladness of Christmas give you hope, The warmth of Christmas grant you love. ~Author Unknown Member Since: October 7, 2005 Posts: 208 Comments: 21676

6. dragonflyF15 1:33 PM GMT on December 26, 2012
Thanks guys! Hope you had a very Merry Christmas as well :) Member Since: February 13, 2006 Posts: 185 Comments: 2146

7. WunderAlertBot (Admin) 2:02 PM GMT on December 26, 2012
dragonflyF15 has created a new entry.

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