Shallow Planted Tulips And Narcissus

Midwest January

During the January thaw is a good time to start fighting common chickweed. It is in flower now having germinated in September and October. Soon it will be setting ripening seed. Walk across the lawn now pulling out the chickweed plants by hand while their fresh green leaves are conspicuous against the brown soil.

Protecting Shallow Planted Tulips and Narcissus

The long unseasonable fall experienced in the Midwest last year encouraged growth of tulips and narcissus. During February thaws they will begin to peek through the soil. Before they get nipped by frost, cover the bed with 2 or 3 inches of peatmoss or compost. Next fall plant the bulbs deeper.

Watering Evergreens

Even if rain and snow have fallen recently, it would be wise to check the soil under the evergreens. In many places last falls drought left the subsoil extremely dry. The evergreens require moisture during the winter.

Dormant Spraying

Dormant sprays can be applied whenever the temperature remains above freezing for at least twelve hours. If the trees are subjected to freezing temperatures less than twelve hours after application of the spray, they will be injured when the emulsion of oil and sulfur separates.

Starting Seed Indoors

Dont be tempted into starting seeds indoors unless a sunny window that can be kept fairly cool is available. But if you do have the right spot, you can start double petunias, Vinca rosea and other slow-growing annuals now. Dont start small-flowered petunias and marigolds and fast-growing plants until later.

Repotting Foliage Plants and Ferns

It’s time now to repot foliage plants and ferns, for soon the light will become stronger and they will start new growth. Also, the plants can stand more water and possibly some light fertilizer.

Timely Reminders

Apply fertilizers now, before the spring rush of garden work begins or even before the life cycle of mealy bugs start. Clean up the garden and destroy weed seeds at the surface as well as mealy bugs, and the ashes will supply valuable potash to the soil.

Even though the lawn might be frozen, dont make paths over it. Heavy traffic causes soil compaction and often destroys the grass.

If the evergreens are not already tied up, as a protection against snow damage, they should be taken care of as soon as possible.