“Serving Orchard Ridge for Over 50 Years”

     DECEMBER GARDEN TIPS
 
Madison - For those of you who can't keep their mind out of the garden, here are few horticulture to-do's to get you through December. If the ground is finally frozen an inch or so deep, it is now safe to apply winter mulches to newly transplanted or tender perennial flowers, roses and strawberries. This will insulate them from the cold above ground and help reduce the fluctuations of temperatures in the soil throughout the season, which can
heave their root balls right out of the ground.
 
Surround rose bushes with chicken wire cages and fill with up to two feet of chopped, dry leaves to protect them for the winter. Cover the base of the stems with several inches of soil or compost first and then place the chicken wire on top of the mound after it has frozen. Tie canes together with cloth strips or nylons to keep them from rubbing when they are blown by the wind. Leave them uncut, however, until next spring when you will know how much was killed and therefore how much to prune out.
 
Pile soil or compost over the crowns of marginally hardy or very exposed garden chrysanthemums. Then add two inches of mulch on top. For all mums, do not cut off dead stems until next spring.
 
A thick layer of straw over root crops like potatoes, parsnips, and carrots as well as parsley and leeks will protect them long enough to harvest them a little at a time well into the winter.
 
Cyclamen, Christmas cactus and azaleas are good choices for people who keep their houses cool. Also look for Jerusalem Cherry, ornamental peppers, and kalanchoes. Be sure to cover these during transport even a short distance - most are very sensitive to temperatures below 50 - 55 degrees.
 
Floral arrangements should be kept cool and out of the sun. Contrary to common belief, arrangements and cut flowers should be watered with very warm water that contains floral preservative. Re-cut flower stem ends first and then condition them in a very cool spot for several hours before bringing out into warmer rooms. Every couple of days, re-cut the stem ends, wash the vase with soap, and refill with warm floral preservative water. Substitute non-diet lemon lime soda or vinegar and a drop of bleach if you don't have preservative on hand (not an aspirin, a penny nor a nail as is sometimes recommended. These don't work.)
 
Check stored vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, onions and garlic and non-hardy bulbs like canna, tuberous begonia, dahlia, and gladiolus for mildew and rot. Remove affected items immediately.
 
Avoid rock salt, which is sodium chloride, to melt sidewalk and driveway ice. Products made of calcium chloride or potassium chloride cause less damage to plants. For traction, sprinkle sand, kitty litter, or wood ashes. Mix with a little melting compound if more than just traction is needed.
 
For help with any home horticulture question, please contact the Dane County UW-Extension office at (608) 224-3721.

Revised:  March 30, 2003