Index

Current Month Gardening Tips
Annual Gardening Tips
How to Care for Some Special Houseplants
What to Grow to Attract Butterflies
What to Grow to Attract Birds
Exotic Plants to Avoid in the Landscape

                              March

Plant flower and vegetable seeds indoors.
Prune fruit trees and grapevines.
Start tuberous begonias in pots.
Press garden perennials back into place, if they’ve heaved.
Spray fruit trees with dormant oil.
Treat houseplants with water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20). Follow label rates.
Prune summer-flowering shrubs.
Check newspapers for dates of annual garden shows.

April

Annual Gardening Tips

January

• Inspect houseplants for spider mites and aphids.
• Use urea (46-0-0) to melt ice near outdoor plants
• Plan garden layout
• Order flower and vegetable seeds.
• Enroll in home garden studies (at community colleges, University of Guelph and Royal Botanical gardens.)
• Try forcing a flowering bulb (amaryllis, etc.).
• If you're a keen gardener and want to learn more and would like to help others with their gardening problems too (advice giving only), think about joining Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc. There may be a group in your area.

February

• Propagate indoor plants (geraniums, etc.) by stem cuttings.
• Week 1:  Inspect gladiolus corms, dahlia tubers, begonia tubers, and other fleshy rooted plants for rot and desiccation.
• Week 2:  Plant tuberous begonias.
• Week 3:  Start seed for impatiens, vinca, pansies, and geraniums.
• Week 4:  Start bulbs of caladium.
• Anytime:  When forced bulbs have bloomed and tops have dried, store, then plant in garden in fall.  If snow melts, check perennial beds for heaved roots from frost.  Gently step down any exposed roots and recover with mulch.
• Prune dormant trees and summer flowering shrubs.
• Begin pruning of dormant fruit trees, grapes, and berry bushes.
• Place mail orders for shrubs and hedges.
• Order seed flats and containers.
• Check newspapers for dates of annual garden shows.

March

• Plant flower and vegetable seeds indoors.
• Prune fruit trees and grapevines.
• Start tuberous begonias in pots.
• Press garden perennials back into place, if they’ve heaved.
• Spray fruit trees with dormant oil.
• Treat houseplants with water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20). Follow label rates.
• Prune summer-flowering shrubs.

April

• Rake and fertilize lawn.
• Remove mulch from roses, a little at a time. After mulch is removed, prune them.
• Plant shrubs, trees and hedges.
• Apply pre-emergence weed killer to control crabgrass.
• Transplant biennials (violas, pansies, foxglove, etc.)
• Repair lawn damage with topsoil and seed.
• Plant early vegetables (peas, radishes, onions).
• Spray for birch leaf miner.
• Check newspapers for dates of annual garden shows.

May

• Construct lattice for vines.
• Transfer bedding annuals to outdoor cold frame.
• Check trees for tent caterpillars and other insects.
• Plant frost-sensitive flowers (petunias, etc.)
• Remove faded flower heads of tulips and daffodils.
• Prune shrubs and trees after flowering.
• Fertilize lawns.
• Plant vegetable garden, strawberries and raspberries.
• Harvest asparagus.

June

• Prune evergreens and hedges.
• Use grass clippings and compost on garden to conserve moisture and control weeds.
• Irrigate lawns and gardens as required.
• Thin annuals and vegetables.
• Treat annual flowers with fertilizers (e.g., water soluble 20[-20-20). Follow label rates.
• Stake tall growing perennials.
• Pinch back garden chrysanthemums.
• Remove faded rose blooms.
• Weed vegetable garden and flowerbeds.

July

• Cut grass no shorter than 5 centimeters (2 inches) or even longer.
• Fertilize annuals and vegetables (e.g., water soluble 10-20-20).
• Shallow hoe gardens regularly.
• Pinch back annuals, if getting straggly.
• Water gardens thoroughly during dry spells.
• After strawberry harvest, mow tops down to 5 centimeters (2 inches) and narrow row to 24 centimeters (10 inches).

August

• Prune climbing roses.
• Order flowering bulbs.
• Cut out old raspberry canes and narrow row to 40 centimeters (16 inches).
• Spray shrubs for powdery mildew control or better still replace with mildew-resistant varieties..
• Harvest vegetables, blanch and freeze.

September

• Prepare and seed new lawns.
• Divide perennials.
• Plant evergreens.
• Last fertilizing of lawns for the year.
• Air dry onion for storage.
• Renovate perennial borders.
• Harvest grapes after first frost.
• Soak soil around evergreens and transplants.

October

• Continue planting spring bulbs.
• Dig, dry and store summer bulbs (dahlias, gladiolus, tuberous begonias, etc.).
• Plant amaryllis (inside) for Christmas blooms.
• Transplant shrubs and trees.
• Distribute nearly completed compost to empty spaces and between rows.
• Rake leaves, and add to reduced compost pile.
• Prepare and seed new lawns.
• Winterize lawn mower.
• Prepare and dig new garden beds and additions.
• Dig over vegetable garden plus compost.

November

• Try potting up some spring bulbs for chilling outside and forcing inside; later, some indoor bulbs such as hyacinth for winter blooms.
• Start winterizing procedures for plants, hoses, and garden equipment. Clean and oil garden tools (spades, hoes, rakes, trowels, etc.), drain hoses, sharpen mower blades and store equipment in a dry, safe place.
• Protect young trees and shrubs from rodents. Check supports for newly planted trees.
• Keep evergreens, shrubs and young trees adequately watered. Soak soil around evergreens if ground is dry.
• Stock up on wood for the fireplace.

December

• Protect rose bushes with soil (hill up) or Styrofoam cones just before the ground freezes.
• Mulch tender perennials when ground starts to freeze.
• Loosely wrap burlap around pyramidal evergreens, rhododendrons and other shrubs and trees that need protection.
• Set up outdoor lighting units before heavy snowfalls.
• Check that house humidifier is maintaining humidity at over 40% to benefit houseplants.
• Reduce watering of indoor plants.
• Order seed catalogues.
• Consider gardening gifts for friends.
• If you're a keen gardener and want to learn more and would like to help others with their gardening problems too (advice giving only), think about joining Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc. There may be a group in your area.

_______________________________________________________________

HOW TO CARE FOR SOME SPECIAL HOUSE PLANTS

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum hybrida)

Beautiful Amaryllis for Indoor Culture - For best results buy large bulbs. Pot the bulbs in 12.5-18 cm. (5-7") pots in a soil mixture of equal parts of soil and peat moss. Good drainage is essential. The upper third of the bulbs should be left exposed above the soil. Water well after potting and then sparingly, until good root growth is obtained. Amaryllis thrives in a location exposed to full sunlight with temperatures around 15-20°C (60-70°F). Feed the bulb frequently with a balanced fertilizer. When the plant starts to flower, move the bulb to a partially shaded location with cooler temperatures. This helps bring out the brilliant colours and keeps the flowers in good condition longer. With proper attention, the amaryllis can be kept to flower again. After the flowers are finished, let the foliage die down--the compost is kept almost dry until growth starts again. It usually grows leaves only at this time, and again allowed to die down. The next growth period produces the flower.

Christmas Cactus (Zygocactus truncatus)

This is a long-lived plant with types that bloom during the winter and spring. For Christmas flowering, the plant is exposed to short days beginning September 1. Total darkness of 12-14 hours each night at a temperature under 19°C (65°F) is required. Buds will not form at temperatures over 20°C (70°F), even with short days. Kept at 12°C (55°F), Christmas cactus will flower regardless of length of day. When the flower buds begin to show colour, the short-day, long-night treatment can be discontinued. Set the plant in a window with a high light intensity and cool temperature. Christmas cactus requires extra water during the flowering period, but afterwards the plant should be kept on the dry side until new shoots develop.

Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)

Cyclamen is difficult to keep in home conditions. Cyclamen should be provided with a temperature of 15° to 19° C (60° to 65°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night. Otherwise the flower buds will blow open and the foliage will turn yellow rapidly. The plant requires good light, but should be shaded from hot sun. If you want to bring your Cyclamen into bloom again next year, rest the plant after blooming. Reduce watering and temperatures to about 10°C (50°F) to help bring the corm into a dormant state. Repot the corm in June in a general potting mixture. The upper half of the corm should be out of the soil to prevent the leaf and flower stems from rotting. During the summer the plant can be grown outdoors in a shaded location.

Easter Lily (Lilium  longiflorum) - Please note pet toxicity below!

Holly (Ilex aquifolium)*

This plant is very much associated with Christmas carols, such as Holly and the Ivy, Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly, and The Holly Bears a Blossom.  Holly is native to West, Central and Southern Europe, Western Asia and China. It is said the word holly comes from the word holy, hence its association with Christmas. In pre-Christian Rome, Romans exchanged holly branches during the December festival of Saturnalia.

Holly trees were traditionally known for their protection against lightning strikes and therefore planted near homes. In European mythology, holly was associated with the thunder gods, Thor and Taranis.

The tradition of a holly-decorated Christmas pudding set ablaze with flaming brandy is said to be the continuation of an age-old custom of lighting fires to fend off dark winter days. And, it is said, if you plan to hang both holly and mistletoe, always hang the holly first or bad luck will come down the chimney on Christmas Eve.

Home-care tips: Cut holly from your garden for indoor decoration when the temperature is above freezing, on a non-windy day. To keep it in tip-top condition, spray the leaves with an anti-desiccant, such as Wilt Pruf.

Ivy (Hedera helix)*

Considered a lucky plant, ivy is associated with the Roman god Bacchus and therefore is thought to bring good luck, fun and ecstatic happiness. It is often used decoratively in wedding ceremonies. Grow this plant on an outside wall of your home as a strong deterrent against misfortune (and an equally strong attraction to nesting birds—loose bowels and all). However, legend has it you should not allow any ivy houseplant to die, or financial strains may occur (like the purchase of the replacement plant perhaps?).

A Halloween belief stated that if a man placed one of 10 ivy leaves gathered On October 31 under his pillow he would dream of his future bridge. For a woman, the first young man to speak to her would become her betrothed. It was believed that to drink from an ivy cup was a cure for whooping cough and alcoholism.

Home-care tips: Ivy is an easily grown container plant and is easily propagated. Decorative ivy will survive well if regularly misted.

* Info on Holly, and Ivy taken from "A little folklore in the garden" by Mark Cullen…The National Post, 12/12/03


Kalanchoes

This is one holiday season gift that seems to keep giving indefinitely. They are delightful succulent plants that prefer a bright window and some sun and limited watering. If they like their environment, you can count on months of bloom. Don’t be generous with the water as their root systems easily rot away.

By the time they finally finish blooming, it will be time to plant them out in the garden. Give them as much sun as possible, a little extra water in times of drought and a regular garden fertilizer—half strength is recommended. Lift and pot before frost and bring indoors.

Orchids

Several varieties of orchids are easily grown in the home atmosphere and they are becoming increasingly popular for holiday giving. This is one plant that will continue growing for years if properly cared for. They like as much humidity as you can provide, regular watering and monthly feeding with orchid fertilizer.

The Phalenopsis, a favourite of many, is readily available at this time of year. It sends out a flower stem and once the buds open, the flowers last for weeks.

Orchids will welcome a time outdoors in a sheltered location in the garden, but this is not a necessity. They need careful attention to watering, feeding and pest control. Bring them back indoors well before any danger of a first frost.

Pepper (Capsicum annuum)

Pepper plants are especially tolerant of warm houses and apartments. They prefer a bright window; some direct sun is beneficial.  These plants should remain attractive for 2 or 3 months with care.  Hot dry air will cause the fruit to fall, and attacks of aphid and red spider mite are likely. Temperature should be cool or average warmth; not less than 13º C (55º F).  Keep the soil moist at all times; it must never be allowed to dry out.  Water occasionally by the immersion method.  Mist the leaves frequently. The fruit will eventually fall off and can be dried. Save the seeds to sow in the summer garden.

In early fall, before frost, bring the plant, which should then have green fruit, indoors. Grow in a bright window and by the holiday season the fruit will be bright orange or red.  Although the name, Capsicum annuum, indicates an annual plant, you can keep this plant and other peppers growing for more than one year with proper care.

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Poinsettias require a high light intensity and temperatures of about 19°C (65°F). The plants will do best when placed in a sunny window but not in direct hot sun. Keep them out of drafts and rising air currents from heat registers or cold air from front doors. The dry air in many homes may cause the plants to drop the decorative bracts. To slow this process, keep the plants well watered, without leaving the soil wet. After your poinsettia has "flowered", store it in a cool, dry place and let the soil almost dry out. You can cut it back to 10 cm (4"). In early May, repot, removing some of the old soil, continue watering and shoots will soon appear. Feed regularly and remove some of the new growth to leave 4 - 5 strong new stems. The prunings can be used as cuttings. From the end of September, careful light control is essential. Cover with a black plastic bag from early evening and remove next morning so that the plant is kept in total darkness for 14 hours. Continue daily for 8 weeks, then treat normally. Your Poinsettia will again be in bloom at Christmas time, but it will be taller than the plant you bought.

For information about other plants, call the Master Gardeners of Sarnia-Lambton at 542-4312 or e-mail us at mastergardeners@ebtech.net.
--------------------------------------------------------

Sarnia-Lambton area residents, for more information about caring for indoor or outdoor plants, or any gardening question, call our Master Gardener hotline, 542-4312  or e-mail us at mastergardeners@ebtech.net.

_______________________________________________________________
Attracting Butterflies to your Garden

Plant your garden in full sun.  Flowering plants need sun to make food for themselves, and nectar for butterflies.  Butterflies also need sun to warm their bodies for flight.

Plant butterfly-attracting flowers with strong scents, where they drink sweet, energy-rich nectar.  Select plants that are native to your area as they attract local butterflies.

Include host plants.  Butterflies lay their eggs on host plants that the emerging caterpillars will eat.  The sight of a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis will more than make up for chewed leaves.

Use colourful plants.  Butterflies seem to prefer red, orange, yellow purple, and dark pink.  A large colourful garden is easy for butterflies to find, and encourages them to stay longer.

Don't use chemical pesticides.  Try planting marigolds, petunias, mint and other herbs that naturally repel pests.  Encourage ladybugs and dragonflies to dine in your garden.

Also see the North American Native Plant Society's pdf file on butterfly gardening.  http://www.nanps.org/pdfs/butterfact.pdf

_________________________________________________________________

What to Grow to Attract Birds

Vines
Bittersweet, Virginia Creeper, Wild Grape, Trumpet Creeper

Ground Covers
Bearberry, Bunchberry, Partridge berry

Flowers for Hummingbirds
Coral Bells, Hollyhock, Columbine, Morning Glory, Larkspur, Wild Bergamot, Butterfly Bush, Trumpet Vine

Large Evergreen Trees
Red Pine, White Pine, White Cedar, Balsam Fir, White Spruce, Eastern Hemlock

Large Deciduous Trees
Oak, Maple, White Birch, White Ash, Shagbark Hickory, Black Cherry, Horse Chestnut

Smaller Trees and Shrubs
Eastern Cedar, American Mountain Ash, Serviceberry, Crab Apple, Hawthorn, Red Mulberry, Pin Cherry, Chokecherry, Staghorn Sumac, American Yew, Common Juniper, Dogwood, Butterfly Bush, Winterberry Holly, Roses, Raspberry, American Elder, American Hazel

__________________________________________________________________

Exotic Plants to Avoid in the Landscape

Most typical home landscapes are a mix of native and exotic plants.  While many exotic species are prized for their ornamental beauty, some can spread their seed into natural areas.  These species can sometimes grow aggressively and crowd our native species from their own nature habitats.  These types of aggressive growing non-natives are referred to as invasive exotics.  Purple Loosestrife, Garlic Mustard and Eurasian Reed are some common examples.  Avoid the following:  Russian Olive - Elaegnus angustifolia, Black Locust - Robinia pseudo-acacia, Burning Bush/Winged Euonymus - Euonymus alata, Common Reed - Phragmites australis, Crown vetch - Coronilla varia, Dames Rocket - Hesperis matronalis, English Ivy - Helix hedera, European Buckthorn - Rhamnus cathartica, False Spirea - Sorbaria sorbifolia, Goutweed - Aegopodium podagraria, Japanese Honeysuckle - Lonicera japonica, Japanese Knotweed - Polygonum cuspidatum, Lily of the Valley - Convallaria majalis, Norway Maple and its cultivars - Acer platanoides, Oriental Bittersweet - Celastris orbiculatis, Periwinkle - Vinca minor, Scilla - Scilla siberica, Tansy - Tanacetum vulgare, and Tartarian Honeysuckle - Lonicera tartarica.