Week in the Garden

Planting:

• Plant paperwhite narcissus bulbs for indoor display. Discard them after blooming.

• Sow seeds that require a cold period for germination.

Seasonal:

• Order catalogs or mark online sites for winter browsing, planning and ordering.

• Check germination rate for stored seeds and replace those that perform badly with fresh seed this year.

• Get seeds for plants that you can start soon: pansies, snapdragons, some hardy perennials, onions, leeks, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and other cool season crops.

• Cut the flower stalks off amaryllis plants after the flowers fade but keep the greens warm and watered in a sunny area if you plan to keep them until next year.

Chores:

• Place deicing materials, shovels, scrapers and other winter tools in a convenient space.

• Check seed starting supplies for next spring and note or purchase as needed

• Use a humidifier, humidity trays or misting around houseplants.

• Mark off beds, new plantings, plants that are late to break dormancy in the spring and delicate plants. Stay off them when\dealing with snow removal.

• Water new plantings anytime the ground isn’t frozen and we experience a week with less than an inch of rain.

Tools, equipment, and supplies:

• Place ice melts and shovels near exterior doors along with boots, gloves and other outdoor gear.

Safety:

• Use pet, child and plant safe melting products if possible.

• Photograph storm damage before clearing or repairing for insurance claims and file promptly.

• Anytime you are outside and the temperatures are 50 degrees or warmer watch for tick bites.