The Winter Gardener

By Lyn Hayes, Forsyth County Master Gardener

TownLoafer Magazine, January 2007

January is a tough month for gardening in Georgia. The weather is unpredictable and sunny days seem far and few between. On the occasional days that the sun is out, for the gardener, there is still plenty that can be done to help prepare for spring and to protect your garden from winter damage.

OUTDOOR GARDENING

Replace Mulch Where Needed

Cold and frost damage can be a big problem in Georgia. Protecting your plants and shrubs with one to two inches of mulch can help minimize damage to your garden. Common mulch:

· Pine Straw
· Pine Bark
· Shredded Fall Leaves
· Wood Chips
· Shredded Cypress Bark

Prune Trees and Shrubs

Not all trees and shrubs should be pruned this early in the year. Here’s a list of common trees and shrubs in our area that can be pruned while dormant during the winter and early spring:

· Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana)
· Butterfly Bush (Buddleia Davidii)
· Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
· Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
· Flowering Plum (Prunus blireana)
· Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissiam)
· Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’)
· Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
· Wisteria (Wistera species)

INDOOR GARDENING

Check Houseplants For Pests

· Dry air from central heating, shorter days, lower levels of light, and improper care can leave houseplants looking ragged and susceptible to pests and disease.

· Organize your garden tools

Spring will be here before you know it! This is a great time to organize your garden tools. Local garden centers and super stores have all sorts of nifty organizers for lawn and garden tools.

Resources:
Georgia Gardener’s Guide, Erica Glasener & Walter Reeves

www.About.com: Gardening, Marie Iannotti

www.AmericanProfile.com: Winter Houseplant Care, Pamela Kock

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences