A second life for the tree
Festive plant care
When January 6 (the 12th day of Christmas) rolls around, don’t just dump the Christmas tree.
Chop up needles and smaller branches into pieces as small as possible and add to compost. The rest of the tree may also be chopped up and used for kindling.
Or lie the tree down at the back of the garden, or behind shrubs, for it to rot down slowly – and meanwhile providing a habitat for a multitude of insects.
Only water poinsettias when the soil is dry, then remove surplus water the plant is sitting in. Overwatering causes leaf drop.
Keep plants in bright, warm spot out of direct sunlight and draughts. Too much sun will cause leaves to lose their bright-red colour.
Hippeastrum (aka amaryllis) blooms will strain toward light, so rotate pot regularly. Once flowering has started, remove plant from direct sunlight or direct heat to prolong life of blooms.
Once flowers wilt, cut back stem to base and continue watering and feeding plant for six months, till leaves yellow. Cut back leaves, remove bulb from soil and clean. Store at least six weeks, then pot up again in a 50/50 mix of potting soil and sand.
Edibles
Harvest herbs for drying for winter before they flower, as most tend to lose their flavour or become bitter after flowering.
To dry rosemary, thyme, dill, sage, and parsley, cut whole branches and tie in small bunches. Hang upside down in a dark, wellventilated, dust-free room for two to three weeks. Then, remove leaves from stems and store whole in an airtight container.
The likes of bay, basil, lemon balm, lovage, mint, lemon verbena, and tarragon need be dried quickly to stop them going mouldy. Place them in a single layer on a netting frame – to ensure plenty of airflow, turn regularly. Store as before.
Basil, borage, chives, mint, oregano, sage, lemongrass, savory, tarragon, and thyme freeze well. Wash, pat dry, then spread in a single layer on a tray and freeze. When frozen, store in an airtight bag and freeze for up to six months.
Plant winter greens: brassicas, spinach and silverbeet.
Peas may still be sown. Dwarf early varieties may be best at this time of year.
Ornamentals
If need be, shift lilies and peonies after flowering.
Take hydrangea cuttings from non-flowering shoots. Keep only one pair of leaves and place in moist, sandy soil in the shade. – Mary Lovell-Smith