JANUARY GARDEN TASKS

Now that December festivities are behind us why not spend some time in the garden? There are plenty of dry, sunny days ahead that are ideal for pruning and controlling weeds. Get a little exercise, fresh air and enjoy the garden!

Since we haven’t had rain for a few weeks it’s a good idea to give plants a drink of water. Plants need less water in winter so once every week or two is good until rains return. 

In the ornamental garden:

• Prune hybrid-tea roses. Cut back canes by one-third. Always cut above a swelling bud that is facing outward, away from center of plant. Remove dead wood and suckers. I also like to remove one to three of the oldest canes if there is plenty of newer canes. Old canes are thicker in diameter, typically thornier and have become woody or partially so. Clean up leaves under the plant.
• Prune climbing roses. Remove twiggy growth and awkward or weak-looking shoots. Prune the rest of the branches/canes to three or four buds. If you are a patient and neat type you’ll want to remove the dead wood for a cleaner, less dense shrub.
• Prune deciduous trees and shrubs. Remove dead wood, crossing or touching branches and anything that looks awkward aesthetically. Maples can be sensitive so do an exploratory cut and if it “bleeds” wait a few weeks.
• Cut back perennials. Removed old flowers and leaves. Plants like lavender and some salvias can have a few inches cut off to remove old flower heads and create a nice form. Plants like shasta daisy and black-eye susan can have all growth cut off except new, bright green growth at base of plant. The plant usually tells you how it wants to be pruned... essentially remove anything that looks brown and crispy!
• Frost watch: If frost is predicted, water frost-sensitive plants like citrus and Bougainvillea. If plants are not in a protected spot, young and/or have suffered frost damage before think about covering with a frost blanket, old sheet, burlap or paper. It’s best if the material doesn’t touch leaves by propping it up with stakes. Remove cover during the day. Or try a string of electric lights (non-LED)- it will look festive and keep the plant warm.
• Purchase bare-root plants like fruit trees, strawberries and roses from nurseries and mail-order companies. Bare-root form is less expensive than in a pot. Get them into ground asap. Shop early for best selection.
• Rake up leaves from surfaces (soil, hardscape and lawn) and remove leaves from the top and inside of plants. If leaves are not diseased put in compost bin.
• Weed: Pull up weeds before they flower and set seed. I try to pull weeds once a week for 15 to 30 minutes… that way it’s less overwhelming and you won’t get a bachache!

In the edible garden:

• Prune fruit trees. Remove dead wood, crossing or touching branches and anything that looks awkward or deformed. Height reduction cuts are best done in June.
• Spray dormant, deciduous fruit trees and berries with dormant oil spray. The oil protects plants from insects and their eggs by smothering them. Not necessary to spray if you have healthy plants but it can protect against future infestations. Be sure to clean up any leaves and fruit on plants and ground.
• Spray nectarines and peaches. Prune trees first then spray with copper sulfate to prevent peach leaf curl. Makes sure to spray all over the branches and trunk for best results.
• Harvest citrus when ripe. Pick up any fruit off ground.