December 8 2007 Timely Tips

GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

BEXAR COUNTY BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

December 8, 2007

  • Fertilize indoor plants less during the winter months at half strength every three to four weeks with a water soluble 6-12-6 analysis.
  • Prolong the life of holiday season gift plants by providing proper care. Check to see if the pot wrap has plugged up the bottom drainage. Never over water. Keep plants out of drafts from heating vents and opening doorways.
  • Use good pruning practices when selecting Christmas greenery from landscape plants like hollies and junipers. Don’t destroy the natural beauty of the plant and remove branches selectively and with a purpose.
  • Want to start cuttings from your favorite Christmas cactus? As soon as it has finished blooming, select a cutting with four or five joints, break it off, and insert the basal end into a pot of moderately moist potting mix. Place it on a windowsill or other brightly lit area. The cuttings will root in about three to four weeks.
  • Trees that are planted now, may not be actively growing on the top, but are getting a properly established root system for better spring growth flushes.

David Rodriguez is County Extension Agent-Horticulture with Texas Cooperative Extension in Bexar County. For more information, call the Master Gardener “Hotline” (210) 467-6575 or visit our County Extension website at http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu.

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