Monthly Gardening Tasks – December December 1st, 2016

December Garden Tasks

• Turn off irrigation if rain more than 1” over 2 weeks otherwise the seasonal adjustment irrigation controller should be set to 15-20%
• WATERING – Many Plants become more susceptible to cold and other winter born issues due to dry soil. Note though that succulents, lantana and Kangaroo paw actually prefer the dry cold so ensure that mulch is not too close to the base of these plants.
• Fertilize specialty shrubs such as azaleas, Camellias, Dogwood, Roses with 5-10-10 – 1-2 handfuls per plant.
• Winterizing – Tender plants like geraniums, begonias, impatiens and gerbera daisies, bougainvillea, and cymbidium orchids should be brought indoors before the first frost ruins them. If they cannot be brought indoors- add Christmas lights or cover plants and move to a protected area of your yard. Likewise, fuchsias, dahlias and other semi-tender plants should be prepared for their winter storage
• DORMANT SPRAYING The second spraying should take place in December. Most dormant sprays are a combination of liquid lime, sulfur and oil.  This spraying helps control over-wintering insects and diseases.  Apply according to label instructions.
• CLEAN-UP – Take some time to clean up the garden this month.  Dead leaves can be cut off perennials and the debris from summer plants can be collected and added to the compost pile.  A little time spent on grooming the garden will certainly improve the overall appearance of the garden for the rest of the fall and winter.
• Plant /transplant trees and shrubs during the dormant season with the minimum amount of transplanting shock