3 minute read
Winter in the Garden
Winter in Southern California means it’s time for succulents to shine.
Southern California winters aren’t as dramatic as other places around the country, but there are still subtle changes in our gardens. During winter’s cooler months, plants are resting to store energy for spring growth. The next few months in the garden will set the stage for healthy plants and vigorous growth as we head toward spring.
Advertisement
DECEMBER
When you recycle your Christmas tree, sweep up all the loose needles and spread them around the base of your acid-loving plants such as azaleas, camellias, blueberries and hydrangeas.
Fresh mulch and some worm castings are strong allies against garden pests and disease. There are good reasons to mulch your garden: it keeps soil from compacting during rains; retains moisture; insulates and regulates the temperature of the ground, protecting plants and their roots; and keeps weeds down. A layer of worm castings applied before the mulch is put down will add valuable nutrients. Apply three inches of mulch but remember to keep mulch away from the trunks of plants to avoid disease and rotting.
Sasanqua camellias and azaleas are blooming now, making it a great time to shop the nurseries so you know you are getting exactly the color flower you want.
Most plants are dormant, so reduce water in the garden but don’t cut it completely off. Plants do need some water because cold temperatures and lower humidity dries them out. Irrigate in the morning, so plants can dry during the day to avoid promoting disease.
Pay attention to succulents and cactuses in containers. We had so much rain last year that I lost quite a few of my succulents because they didn’t dry out for weeks. Move your plants under eaves or protected areas to shield them from too much water, frost or even the occasional hail.
JANUARY
January is bareroot season, so nurseries will be stocked with roses, fruit trees, strawberries, grapes and cane berries (raspberries, blackberries). Whatever you buy, make sure to keep the roots moist before and after you plant, and don't wait longer than a week to get them in the ground. While you dig your planting hole, soak the plant’s roots in a bucket of water for an hour.
Strawberry plants that are more than three years old have passed their prime and should be replaced. Avoid locating strawberries where eggplants, peppers, potatoes or tomatoes were grown within the last three years, as they have similar disease problems.
Summer blooming bulbs will also be in stock at the new year. Shop for cannas,
FEBRUARY
Heading into February, buddlejas, more commonly known as butterfly bushes, need to be pruned back heavily. You can cut back up to 75% of the plant and keep pinching the new growth to promote bushier growth over the next few months.
Plumerias will drop their leaves with the cold weather. This is the time to take cuttings from your plant, before new leaves start sprouting. Let the cuttings dry up at the cut end and wait for two months before planting.
Citrus is fertilized three times a year with the amount of nitrogen they need divided into three equal quantities. The amount of fertilizer you use will vary according to the age and size of the tree, and in some cases the variety of tree, so get guidance from a reputable nursery if you're not sure. Water the tree the day before, spread the fertilizer over the root zone and water well. The feeder roots of citrus trees are very close to the surface, so it's important not to over-fertilize, or you could burn your tree. I use three holidays as a guide for remembering to fertilize my citrus: Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day.
There are some plants that shine this time of year. Aloes are sending up bloom spikes (a drive down Silver Strand highlights these plants in the center median). Ripe citrus fruit looks like decorative jewels, and at the same time trees are exploding with fragrance from blooms, setting the stage for next year’s crop.
Lastly, this is your yearly reminder to check your shot record and make sure your tetanus shot is up to date. As gardeners, we stick our hands in the dirt, so it’s important to make sure we’re protected from icky things that lurk in the soil.
Happy gardening!
