Ryan Sproul
Posted: Monday, December 9, 2013 12:00 am
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Updated: 12:14 pm, Mon Dec 9, 2013.
Grove Sun – Delaware County Journal
GARDEN TIPS FOR DECEMBER
Well it is definitely winter time here in Delaware County. While we were lucky we did not get the ice that our neighbors down in southeast Oklahoma got, the snow sure made the roads slick and added a few more hours to those of us that have livestock to feed and take care of.
It is December, and I reckon this kind of weather can be expected, but the first one of the year takes some getting used to. For this week’s column, I wanted to share horticulture tips for the month of December. Stay safe out there and have a good week!!!
Lawn Turf
• Remove leaves from cool-season grasses or mow with a mulching mower.
• Continue mowing cool-season lawns on a regular basis.
• Continue to control broadleaf weeds in well-established warm- or cool-season lawns with a post-emergent broadleaf weed killer.
Tree Shrubs
• Select a freshly cut Christmas tree. Make a new cut prior to placing in tree stand. Add water daily.
• Live Christmas trees are a wise investment, as they become permanent additions to the landscape after the holidays.
• Light pruning of evergreens can be used for holiday decorations. Be careful with sap that can mar surfaces.
Flowers
• Apply winter mulch to protect rose bush bud unions and other perennials. Wait until after several early freezes or you will give insects a good place to winter.
• Poinsettias must have at least six hours of bright, indirect light daily. Keep plants away from drafts.
Fruits Nuts
• Cover strawberry plants with a mulch about 3 to 4 inches thick if plants are prone to winter injury.
• Wait to prune fruit trees until late February or March.
General
• Keep all plants watered during dry conditions even though some may be dormant.
• Irrigate all plantings at least 24 hours before hard-freezing weather if soil is dry.
• Order gardening supplies for next season.
• Now is a great time to design and make structural improvements in your garden and landscape.
• Send for mail-order catalogs if you are not already on their mailing lists.
• Clean and fill bird feeders.
• Make sure indoor plants are receiving enough light or set up an indoor fluorescent plant light.
• Till garden plots without a cover crop to further expose garden pests to harsh winter conditions.
• Review your garden records so you can correct past mistakes. Purchase a new gardening journal or calendar to keep the New Year’s gardening records.
Ryan Sproul is the extension educator, for ag and 4-H youth development, with the OSU Extension Services in Delaware County. For more information, or to contact Sproul, persons interested may call 918-253-4332 or email ryan.sproul@okstate.edu.
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Monday, December 9, 2013 12:00 am.
Updated: 12:14 pm.
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