Gardening Resources
Winter Chores
PRUNE SHRUBSWinter is an excellent time to prune many trees and shrubs. Oaks, Elms, Ash and Birch should only be pruned in the winter. They are susceptible to some very serious diseases if pruned during the growing season. Do not prune spring bloomers or evergreens at this time. Other trees and shrubs can be pruned anytime during the winter for shape and size. For many shrubs it is advised to thin out 1/3 of the old growth, or branching that is crossing or diseased. THEN you may head back the plant to a desired height. The best revenge for pruning however is right plant for the right place. Do not install an 8’ tall shrub in a space that only accommodates a 5’ shrub. For more information read the full article on Pruning.
WINTER ANIMAL CONTROL
It is that time of year when the deer, rabbits etc. can really damage our woody plant material. To keep your woody plants safe try organic solutions such as: Repellex, Plantskydd, Hot Pepper Wax, Deer Away, Bobbex & Deer Scram. Liquid Fence is an all natural (though not "organic" product). Milorganite is organic and a Wisconsin based manufacturer. For more information read the full article Animal Control.
PUT THE SNOW TO WORK
As the snow gathers in piles and drifts, take a little extra time to shovel it to areas that will benefit your yard and garden. Snow is the best mulch for our tender perennials so go ahead and pile it on those perennial gardens. If you have spring bulbs that have a history of popping up too early and being damaged in the spring you can heap snow in these areas to force them into a longer dormant period. Another way to make snow work to your advantage is to place it on gardens that don’t get much snow or don’t benefit from much spring melt. As the snow thaws in the spring these gardens will be very glad to have the extra moisture. Help reduce runoff in the spring by keeping as many non permeable areas of your property clear of snow and ice.
DUTY CALLS
Consider cleaning up dog waste now instead of waiting until spring. Not only is it frozen and easier to pick up, but animal waste is not friendly to the environment and allowing it to break down and wash into the sewers in the spring is bad for our lakes and streams. Check out the Doggy Dooley waste collector at www.drsfostersmith.com. The Thrifty Fun web site has great tips on composting doggy waste.
CLEAN THE GARAGE/SHED
Take some time to go through all of your garden chemicals and fertilizers and box up the ones you won't use and the expired products. Anything that is in your garage or porch that has frozen is no longer good. Check the dates on the packages as well and anything older than 2 years should also be disposed of. Never pour pesticides down the drain. Contact your local recycling center for proper disposal sites and instructions. See the EPA regulations at www.epa.gov and learn 57 ways to protect your home environment at www.thisland.uiuc.edu
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