Recent dark and stormy days have created a bit of chaos in our gardens these last days of December. We are ending the year with gardens battered and torn. Here is what to do to make things better when the weather lightens up. Come on, it will be fun!
CLEAN UP: It is a cold, wet messy chore, but it sure feels good to get out to the porch, patio or deck and clean up a storm’s mess. A stiff broom and a sturdy rake are good for clearing dead leaves and debris from gutters and drains, walkways and patios. Grooming up the perennial beds and trimming back weeds and grass makes the garden sparkle. Scrub up the bird bath and add a fresh coat of paint to the patio furniture.
MULCH: Weedlings have arrived. Scuffing them up and then adding thick mulch does wonders to knock them back. Apply mulch now, while soil is soaked and new weeds are tiny. This will save a lot of labor later on this spring when things get busy.
TAKE CONTROL: The best way to take control of your garden from ravaging slugs and snails is to clean up all garden debris and then apply organic slug bait. Warm tropical rain days lure them out to nibble. Bait now and every three weeks thereafter.
INSPECT: Now that our gardens have experienced a few winter storms it is time to get out there and inspect. Check drainage areas, gutters and downspouts for unwanted leaf debris and such. Keeping these items debris free will keep water from entering the foundation of your house. More importantly, check any trees growing near the house. Broken limbs can easily break a window or damage the roof.
Terry Kramer is the retired site manager for the Humboldt Botanical Garden and a trained horticulturist and journalist. She has been writing a garden column for the Times-Standard since 1982. She currently runs a gardening consulting business. Contact her at 707-834-2661 or terrykramer90@gmail.com.
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