In the News - January 2008
January weather shouldn’t deter gardeners
A little cold weather shouldn’t discourage people from working in their
gardens, say county agents with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension
Service.
Even in January, there is work to be done.
"We had a few warm days in the fall, and some bulbs got the foolish idea that
spring was near," says Van Banks, Yell County extension agent. "That’s probably
not a good idea since icy weather is sure to come."
Banks suggests that adding compost to a thick layer of mulch can protect this
tender new growth.
In the event of snow, be sure to shake or brush off the white stuff from the
branches of your evergreens and shrubs, Banks says. While snow poses no real
threat, if it becomes wet and frozen, the weight could cause brittle, dormant
branches to snap off.
Sherri Sanders, White County extension agent, says January is the time of
year to spray dormant fruit trees, cotoneasters and dogwoods.
You can make good use of fireplace ash this time of year.
Sanders recommends saving fireplace ash and using it as a fertilizer for
irises and other alkaline soil plants.
"If the ground is workable at all," she says, "now is a great time to turn
the soil. Not only will this expose insect eggs to the effects of winter and
hungry birds, the freezing will help to break apart heavy clods of dirt."
If your soil needs lime, apply it as you turn your soil to ensure it begins
to work for you when spring arrives, Van Banks says. Applying compost now will
increase soil tilth and fertility.
"Don’t forget your houseplants this time of year," cautions Van Banks.
Actively growing plants will benefit from a shot of liquid plant food. On cold
nights, it’s a good idea to close the curtains or window blinds to protect your
house plants.
"You might spend extra time this month getting your garden tools ready for
spring," says Sanders. "Sharpen and oil tools such as shovels, shears, mowers
and the like. Power tools such as weed trimmers and power mowers may benefit
from a good tune-up. Maybe the wheelbarrow could use a fresh coat of paint."
It's not too early to begin to think of a strategy for new spring plantings.
You might consider creating a small map of your garden, and using it as a guide
for ordering plants and seeds from the catalogs which will be arriving in the
mail soon.
Sanders advises consumers to research a company before buying from them.
And be sure to attend a flower and garden show in your area and the
Arkansas Flower and Garden Show at the Statehouse Convention Center February 22-24. Also,
order the Horticulture Highlights 2008 CD from your county agent or online at
www.uaex.edu. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of
the U of A Division of Agriculture.
January 11, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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