Garden Canopy

January Garden Calendar

31.12.09

Gardening Basics
Bring a little sunshine to your door with a blooming plant. Hardy primroses in a low planter add color and scent. Camellias with daisy-like blooms are sure to bring a smile. Choose one that meets the sun/shade conditions at your front door.

Leave snow on plants unless it is heavy and wet and bending or breaking branches. Snow will protect your evergreen plants from low temperatures. Think of it as an igloo for your shrubbery.

Kitchen and Orchard
The best selection of seeds is available now. Get the best variety by checking Oregon State University Extension's seed lists. Call the Master Gardeners on Tuesday or Thursday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. or search online at http://extension.oregonstate.edu for information on seed choices, planting dates and site selection. Buy only as much seed as you can plant within three years.

Orchard trees need attention now. The freeze-thaw cycle may be damaging bark and creating crevices for bugs and disease to take hold. Wrap trunks with burlap or paint the lower trunk with white exterior latex paint. This minimizes sun scald and splitting. Mix the paint 1-to-1 with water. Also, use dormant spray on orchard trees to smother insect eggs. Check with the OSU Extension for spray schedules for specific fruit varieties.

Source: Mail Tribune