Gardening with Gail

—by Gail McIlroy

There really is something magical about December and January! After Christmas, you can see the days are getting longer and most definitely brighter.

You would be amazed by what there is do in terms of preparing for spring in the garden. The geraniums you brought inside will look withered and lifeless. But if you use your thumb and scratch along the stock of the plant, if there is any green showing then you have successfully overwintered the plant.

From time to time give the geranium a splash of water, then let the plant rest until you want to pot it up. It’s always been amazing to me how well the plant does. It’s a slow process this way so keep in mind for other seasons there are different methods that can be used.

There is lots we can do for our gardens in December. It’s still not too late to cut down tall perennials and ornamental grasses. The grasses although attractive when in season in December have probably succumbed to winter’s high winds and the snow. Some people prefer to leave them as protection for little critters that may be hiding and sleeping inside.

Loosely wrap your evergreens with burlap. It’s always a good idea to protect young trees and shrubs with burlap (making a triangle works well) and doesn’t suffocate the plant.

Spiral plastic wraps looks terrible, but work beautifully. It reflects the sun to minimize scalding from the winter sun.

If not done already in November, hill up the soil and place compost around hybrid tea roses, and other tender plants and shrubs.

Some people use straw (such a great insulator) and place it around tender or newer perennials, again making an igloo of protection.

Bring in and clean all garden tools. It’s good to wipe down the metal parts of the tools with a cloth that has been soaked in 3-1 oil.

January is a good time to make up your “to do” list for the spring. Some people like to plant tulips at this time of the year because the squirrels should be semi-hibernating and not as active when it comes to digging. They have already taken their food supply to their nests for the cold winter ahead.

Although many of us garden for the simple pleasures it gives us, master gardeners work year-round in all conditions, so the work doesn’t pile up.

If you decorate at this time of the year, it’s great to bring your branches indoor and hydrate them for a couple of days before making your arrangements.

Evergreens dry out quickly; sometimes over the Christmas holidays they may not get watered as regularly so soaking ahead of time can make the difference.

It’s such an exciting time of the year for the little people in our lives, and we must make sure we think of safety first. With some of your garden prep interests, let the kids help, they will also learn so much.

Winter is also a great time to remember our birds. At this time of year their food supply may need to be built up again. Nuts and appropriate bird seed is best. If you make suet balls using peanut butter it’s important to make sure you use the non-sugar one. It’s nice to have the over-wintering birds, they add an extra dimension to your morning coffee.

Winter is a great time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the tranquility of the season. A well-maintained garden that has been prepared for winter is quiet, tranquil and relaxing. Such a great time to sketch, and plan for the spring.

Winter sowing is a way for home gardeners to germinate seeds outdoors in mini containers made from recycled products. In some ways you are mimicking what seeds do when they drop in the autumn, spend winter outdoors and germinate naturally in the spring. The name for this process is “cold moist stratification”. Using your recycled containers and tucked safely into the snow, this is also fun to watch as the seeds start to germinate.  If you have little people in your life, you will find that they love to be part of this entire project.

The soil mix when winter sowing has variables. It’s important to recognize which weight of soil you want to use. A finely screened medium soil works best for most seeds. For tiny seeds use a lighter soil mix. The bottom of your plastic container can be used with the heavier soil, the seeds won’t reach it anyway! If you only have basic potting mix you can put it through a 1/4” screen to get rid of the lumpy pieces. For larger seeds, basic potting pro mix or triple pro mix is usually acceptable.

So why winter sow? There are lots of reasons. It’s fail proof, there is no need for extra stuff such as grow lights, trays, heating pads and all of the other paraphernalia that comes with starting seeds indoors. Winter sowing keeps the birds and other interested critters from eating the seeds or young seedlings. We already have the containers so really there is no cost involved. There is no need to harden off seedlings. With winter sowing the seeds germinate when they are ready. When they are ready to be planted, they are also garden ready.

Granted, with this method they won’t be early, but they will be stronger and more robust! Another benefit is it’s an inexpensive way to have a lot of plants. Winter sowed native plants are virtually free, and a great way to do a plant exchange. Transparent plastic jugs and clear plastic containers can be reused for years!

Thinking of seeds, if you harvest and collect yearly , the only cost is your time at doing something you love in the first place.

If outdoors isn’t your preference you may also mix the seeds into vermiculite and refrigerate in baggies, gradually adding some sunshine and heat when you decide it’s time to get them started. The heat from your modem box for your TV is enough to get the seeds started (while inside the plastic bags) and ready for planting.

We will cover more about seedlings in February’s issue. In closing, please fee free to share any tips in this column that your friends might enjoy.

Have a wonderful holiday season!