January In Your Garden

January is here along with the snow, ice and cold temperatures associated with winter. It is time for us to curl up in front of a roaring fire with a hot beverage and concentrate on some enjoyable inside activities.

AFTER CHRISTMAS

• Use discarded holiday greens and boughs to cover tender plants in the garden. Remember to remove them in early spring as the weather warms up.
  
  
• Recycle your cut Christmas tree. Check for pick-up dates in your area.

IN THE GREENHOUSE

• Our annual January Foliage Sale begins Friday January 2nd and continues through Sunday February 1st. All tropical foliage plants in pots 6" or larger are 25% off. (This sale excludes topiaries, blooming plants, bonsai and hanging baskets.)
  
  
• Look what's blooming in the greenhouse this month: Gloxinia, Azaleas, Begonias, Primrose Obconica.
  
  
• Bring the cheery color and fragrance of paperwhite narcissus into your home. There is still time to force bulbs this season.
  
  
• Don't forget your houseplants on long winters days. Wipe off the dust and continue to inspect regularly for signs of insects. Visit our greenhouse for professional advice on a problem, to consult on a new plant or just to stroll through the flowers!
  
  
• Are the holiday poinsettias looking a bit peaked ? It may be time to replace them with a lovely orchid plant. Be sure to visit our Orchid Fair at the Bethesda Chevy Chase location on January 31st and February 1st.
  
  
• To maintain healthy indoor plants in winter, feed monthly at 1/2 strength, rotate to ensure adequate and even light and use a moisture meter to monitor watering needs.
  
  
• Use 'Liquid Compost' to water your houseplants (1oz per gallon). This helps to temper the damaging effects of salt buildup in potted plants.

AROUND THE GARDEN

• Now is a good time to prune fruit, shade and ornamental trees.

DON'T FORGET
THE BIRDS

Are you a member of our Black Oil Seed Frequent Buyer Club? Buy 5-25 lb. bags and get one free! Stop by for your card with your Sunflower seed purchase soon.

Remember our feathered friends...birds need water and food throughout the cold winter months. Add some suet to the birds diet so they get adequate fatty treats in the cold winter months.

Keep the water in your bird bath from freezing with the addition of a pond/bird bath de- icer.

TAKE CARE

Use plant friendly materials to melt ice on walks or driveways. Urea (46.0.0), Magnesium Chloride, Calcium Nitrate, Calcium Chloride and sand are all safe to apply near lawns and plants.

Snow removal from shrubs should be done with care using an upward motion. If a heavy layer of ice forms, leave it to thaw naturally. Severe damage and breakage can occur while attempting to remove built up ice.

Snowed in for the weekend? Pull out all of those seed catalogues and gardening magazines and start planning your Spring 2004 garden.