Tips

JANUARY

Tips supplied by Sandra Hamann, member of the Clarice Wilson Garden Club.

If ice storms occur - don't remove accumulated ice on plants or shrubs. You'll do more harm than good. However, snow can be brushed off of shrubs without damage.
Lime can be added to lawns and flower beds at this time. Do not add it to Centipede lawns or to acid loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, or blueberries unless a soil test indicates that it is needed. (Soil tests are always a good idea! You can pick up sample boxes from your local County Extension Service office and for a small fee have your soil analyzed.) You can still plant shrubs and trees if the ground isn't frozen. Remember to mulch new plantings and keep watered.
Keep adding to your compost pile - coffee grounds are always a good addition. The pile won't be active in the winter, but collecting the organic material is always good!
You can devote time to your house plants during this month. Remove dead leaves and cut back "leggy" plants. This will encourage bushier growth. (Save the clippings and put them in a container of water for color on your windowsill or sink---they may just develop roots and then you have a new plant!) Cut back your Christmas Cactus by 1/3 after blooming. Amend the pot's soil with some fresh potting soil and a light fertilizing. Do this especially if the plant has gotten too big. You may avoid repotting with this "trim back."
House plants may need a good cleaning about this time, too. If plants have "fuzzy" leaves, brush them off with a soft clean paint brush. Give your "smooth leaved" houseplants a shower, damp cloth wipe or a good spray in your kitchen sink.
Plot, plan and scheme your spring garden with the seed catalogs that have been arriving in your mail box this month!

Provided by: Garden Clubs and Garden Club Members of The Greenville Council of Garden Clubs, Inc. The Council’s Headquarters are located at the Historic Kilgore-Lewis House, 560 N. Academy Street in Downtown Greenville. (visit the Council website www.kilgore-lewis.org for information on becoming a Garden Club member)