By Heather Prince
www.thegrowingplace.com
December 13, 2012 6:34PM
Goldmops falsecypress as it looks in gardens now has pretty chartreuse foliage making
a nice bright impact in winter, but proper watering is important to get it established. | Courtesy of Heather Prince
We’ve had a few rain showers, but in many areas, drought conditions are still present. The ground is not yet frozen, so many evergreen plants could benefit with a drink.
Recent light rains might not have penetrated very far. Check your soil moisture by pushing your fingers down a few inches under any mulch or use a small trowel to dig down. Feel the soil; is it moist or dry and crumbling? If it’s moist, leave it be, but if your soil is dry, consider watering.
Evergreens, especially newly planted ones, will benefit from supplemental watering until the ground freezes. This might not occur in our area until after Christmas. For trees, use a slow trickle from a hose for 20 to 30 minutes, and about 15 minutes for shrubs.
Consider mulching your plants to keep the soil evenly moist. A two- to three-inch layer of mulch in the root zone, but not against trunks or stems, will benefit the plants. By giving your evergreens a little extra care now, you’ll be able to enjoy them for many years to come.
Garden Tip is courtesy of Heather Prince, The Growing Place, 630-355-4000, www.thegrowingplace.com
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