What to do in the Garden this Month

 

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." Martin Luther King, Jr.


In our gardens, it is hard to see the blooms of summer under a blanket of snow and bare twigs.  Have faith and keep working your gardens even if it is 10 degrees out today!

What to do in the garden this month:

• Do your houseplants a favor and  give them a good cleaning and repotting.  I stick my larger potted plants in the shower for a soak and leaf rinse this time of year.  They love it!!  Decide who needs a division and who needs a larger pot.  It's a great time to start propagating new houseplants for spring gift giving.  

 

• Thinking of a new plant bed?  Want to do a planting bed makeover?  Now is an excellent time to note what worked last year, what did not and make some garden plans.  Grab pencil and paper, snap some photos (since there is no vegetation in the way) and start planning!

• Examine trees and shrubs on your property.  Cut out and clear away dead wood and branches.  If you have a heavily damaged tree, call a tree service or professional landscaper to schedule an appointment.  You may be able to keep it with professional help - or remove it with minimal damage. 

• Prune overgrown branches from shrubs.  Be careful: large cuts won't heal well this time of the year.

• Locate your garden journal and prepare it for the upcoming season.  Record what worked, what did not, new seeds you ordered and plants you wish to try.  Draw your new or updated garden plans and record your achievements last garden season.

• Last but not least, feed the birds.  They are the music of our gardens and the unsung heroes, eating more bugs then *I* certainly care to imagine each summer!!!