- April 30, 2024
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We have already experienced some cold temperatures during the Thanksgiving holiday, so it is time to think about bringing those houseplants inside and getting that frost cloth down from the attic.
You can also cover frost tender plants with pine straw, hay, leaves, blankets, sheets or cardboard boxes. If you use plastic, build a frame around the plants and drape the plastic over it. Wherever plastic touches a plant’s leaves, it acts as a conductor and causes damage. It’s just better to use a cloth material or natural mulch.
Bulbs and holly
It’s a good time to plant bulbs for spring blooms. This includes amaryllis, calla lilies, crocosmia, zephyranthes, Easter lilies and others that are offered in the garden centers. Essentially, pruning is over for the year. However, you can shape abelia, boxwood, arborvitae, beautyberry, rose of Sharon, summer blooming hydrangea, ligustrum, yews and junipers.
You might consider planting a native holly so you can use the berries in your holiday decorations. Hollies generally prefer partial shade, but most grow well in full sun. Slightly acidic, well drained soils are essential for most hollies, although a few, like Dahoon, myrtle-leaved and gallberry are native to moist areas and can be planted in wetter locations. Some others to consider are America, Yaupon, Shilling’s, and Taylor’s Rudolph.
Annual and herbs
If you want to brighten the appearance of your landscape, plant masses of annuals that will provide beautiful color during the winter months. Some to plant are alyssum, calendula, dianthus, dusty miller, geraniums, ornamental cabbage and kale, pansies, petunias, snapdragons, stock, verbena and violas.
Herbs that thrive in cool weather are coriander, dill, fennel, garlic, parsley, sage and thyme. In the vegetable garden, plant cool crops like broccoli, cauliflower, collards, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, celery, onions, radish, spinach and Swiss chard.
