The warm weather has been delightful
for all of us humans, our furry friends and anyone that has to heat a home or other structure. But…..there could be a problem lurking around the corner. We are going to get some cold weather soon and if it comes in like a lion there can be some serious damage to plants that would normally be hardy to cold temperatures here in the Miami Valley. Many plants have become excited and are not ready for a sudden plunge of cold temperatures. Some flower buds are swelling instead of being completely dormant like they should be in mid-December. The above normal temperatures have given us time to finish up some of the fall chores. One fall job many miss is the job of protecting the trunks of young trees especially thin barked shade trees like red maples and a few others. Serious damage occurs almost every year to the southwest side of the trunks of these trees if they are not protected. You may have seen this injury. It is a dead area that can extend for 3 – 4’ from the ground to the first branches and can be an inch or two wide. This can be prevented with a wrap or tree guard.

The soil temperatures are still pretty warm so it is a little early to apply mounds of mulch around tender perennials. It is best to have the soil about ready to freeze or already frozen a little before we do this mulching for winter protection. In a week or so we should see the soil beginning to freeze. That is the time to cover strawberries with straw or other tender plants. If you have not pruned your long, straggly rose bushes back some, to keep them from getting whipped around by the wind, now is the time to do that. But wait until late March or early April before taking them back all the way to 12” or so.

If you are thinking about planting a tree or shrub sometime soon, there is still time to do that since the soil conditions are still very good for planting. Selection can be limited at this time of year, but there may be some good deals available. The big advantage of planting now is that the roots continue to develop over the winter months while the tops are dormant and plants have a chance to get established before the coming growing season. Winter feeding is also advantageous and that can be done now. This gives plants an opportunity to absorb this feed allowing it to get into the plant tissue and available for growth in the spring.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year for you and your family.

MVG - Growing Sustainably Since 1984