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December
Activities
TREES AND SHRUBS:
~Shopping
for a truly LIVE Christmas tree? Look at deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara),
leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandi) or Arizona cypress (Cupressus
glabra) which is a native to the Big Bend area of Texas. Our native
eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) might also be a candidate,
but not for those with allergy problems. It is a primary culprit for
sufferers of spring and fall hay fever symptoms. By purchasing a
containerized tree and keeping it well watered while indoors, you will have
the added bonus of a new OUTDOOR plant after the holidays, a gift that will
continue giving for years to come.
~If you plan to flock your cut tree, think again. Most recycling centers
will not accept flocked trees because they cannot be re-used as mulch.
~This is the BEST time to plant and transplant, but don’t forget to water
well and often as they will have fewer feeder roots to absorb available
moisture and will be more prone to cold weather damage.
PERENNIALS:
~December
is the last month to put in most early blooming spring bulbs, such as
narcissus/daffodils. If you receive forced paper whites as a holiday gift,
they may be planted in many areas of the state for fragrant enjoyment next
year. But don’t forget to add bone meal into the planting hole to give
nutrition to next year’s crop.
ANNUALS/VEGETABLES:
~Continue
to pinch back fall/winter annuals for continual blooms and do not forget to
feed every 4-6 weeks.
~Salad greens can be planted throughout the cool season, although a row
cover (blanket, wet newspaper, landscape fabric, etc.) is great help if a
freeze is expected.
~Don’t forget to order seeds for your spring garden now. Plan on trying
a new vegetable or even an old, heritage plant that your grandma grew. Some
of our favorite seed company websites are:
www.seedsource.com,
www.parkseed.com ,
www.wildseedfarms.com , and
www.southernexposure.com .
GENERAL:
~None
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