- If it snows – especially heavy wet snow – prevent limb breakage by knocking snow off early. Evergreen magnolias, pyramidal cedars, arborvitaes and sweet gum trees are most vulnerable.
- Don’t forget to keep plants under eaves well-watered. Winter damage on trees and shrubs can be minimized if they are well watered before windy weather and extended periods of freezing temperatures.
- To lessen freeze damage due to water loss, place fabric covers – not plastic – over plants most at risk. Styrofoam sheeting, bubble wrap, frost blanket, burlap, cardboard or old sheets and towels are good protectors.
- The cold wet days of January and February are good for planning next year’s gardens. Flower gardens can be supplemented with new or different varieties of perennials or annuals, while overgrown spots can be considered for some serious thinning. Vegetable gardens can be mapped out to rotate crops from last year. If you are not familiar with the benefits of crop rotation now would be a good time for a little research and developing a simple plan. We can help.
- Keep bird feeders clean. Discard uneaten birdseed that has become wet or moldy. Refill suet feeders as needed.
- Check stored dahlia tubers for signs of rot or mold. Discard any that have signs of rotting. Treat moldy tubers with a bulb dust.
- It’s not too early to treat for slugs. As days begin to warm up at the end of the month they will be out looking for newly emerging perennials.
- If birdbaths are being left uncovered for the winter, make sure they have clean water that’s not frozen.
- If night-time temperatures are predicted to be in the twenties, bring your humming bird feeders in so they will not freeze overnight.
