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January: Now is the time to...

General

All plants should be mulched to prevent root damage, which may occur during a severe freeze.

Sharpen & oil garden tools.

Prepare new garden beds for spring planting.

Get a soil test.

Plan for 2012, establish your resolutions and goals, read catalogs and enjoy the new possibilties.

Annuals, Perennials & Herbs

Plant colorful cool season annuals such as pansies, violas, snapdragons, stock & many more!

Perennials can also be planted: coral bells, lamium, and ajuga.

Rosemary, parsley, sage, and thyme are a few of the herbs which will withstand our winters.

If you have not already done so, mulch perennials to help protect them, but take care not to smother the plants. Pine straw works well.

Some perennials (lantana, salvia, and tender perennials) should not be cut back. Perennials with hollow stems may collect winter rain in their stems, causing them to rot.

Keep pansies & other flowering annuals deadheaded.

During warm spells, look for aphids on annuals. Treat with insecticidal soap.

During a hard freeze, protect tender annuals, covering them with N-Sulate lightweight frost cloth. (ie: alyssum, bacopa, lobelia, cyclamen)

Water outdoor containers prior to cold weather to reduce stress on the plants.

Trees & Shrubs:

Dormant oil can be applied to control scale and other insects. Follow the instructions on the label.

Plant new trees and shrubs.

It is also a good time to move established shrubs and trees.

Protect newly planted and containerized citrus from freezing temperatures.

Houseplants:

Plant a terrarium.

Check all indoor plants for common pests, such as spider mites, mealy bugs or scale. Treat houseplants with NEEM, insecticidal soap or prevent infestations with BAYER 3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control.

During the winter, most houses are too dry for houseplants to thrive. Increase humidity by misting plants or placing them on trays lined with pebbles and filled with water within a half inch of the base of the pot.

Most houseplants benefit from reduced use of fertilizer in the winter. If fertilizer is necessary, use at 1/2 strength or less frequently.

For specific product recommendations, or answers to additional questions you might have, please come by to speak with our sales staff or send us your questions at Ask the Expert.

Espoma Organic Fertilizers

Clemson Extension Home and Garden Center

Charleston Horticultural Society

Abide-A-While Garden Center • 1460 Highway 17 North • Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 • (843) 884-9738