January gardening tips for fruits and nuts, indoor plants and lawns are provided in this issue.
Fruits and nuts
Place fruit tree and small fruit orders from reputable nurseries no later than January to receive shipment in the spring.
It is time to start thinking about fruit tree maintenance. Plan to prune, spray and make a schedule of what needs to be done and when! For more information, see MU extension guide g6010 Fruit Spray Schedules for the Homeowner at https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6010.
Check young fruit trees for rodent and deer injury on lower trunks. Trunk protection can help prevent injury.
Start pruning apple and pear trees. For more information, see MSU Bulletin on Training and Pruning Deciduous Fruit Trees at https://ag.missouristate.edu/Assets/MtnGrv/B40TrainingandPruningDeciduousFruitTrees.pdf.
Purchase pesticides and fertilizers for upcoming season.
Order early for best selection of rhubarb, asparagus, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry and blueberry transplants for setting out in March and April. For more information, see MU extension guide g6005 Fruit Cultivars for Home Plantings at https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6005.
Prune out blackberry and raspberry floricanes that fruited during the last growing season and shorten laterals to 12-18 inches on remaining blackberry canes.
Indoor plants
Cleaning leaves on houseplants will allow them to gather light more efficiently and will result in better growth. A damp cloth or feather duster can easily remove dust.
Do not over-water plants during the winter months. Always check the soil for dryness before watering. They need less water during this time.
If plants dry out too fast, make sure they are sitting away from heat vents or drafty areas.
Keep holiday poinsettias and cactus near a bright window. Water when the top of the soil becomes dry. Avoid overwatering.
Allow tap water to warm to room temperature before using on houseplants.
Check houseplants for insect pest issues. Insecticidal soap is a safe and easy method for controlling them indoors. For scale and mealy bugs, alcohol on a cotton swab can easily remove them. For more information, see MU extension guide g7273 Least Toxic Control Methods to Manage Indoor Plant Pests at https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7273.
For winter blues, forcing bulbs can add a little color to your windowsill. Paper whites, tulips and hyacinth are cheerful flowers to try. Make sure tulips and hyacinth are pre-chilled or they won’t bloom. For more information, see MU extension guide g6550 Forcing Bulbs for Indoor Bloom at https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6570.
Lawns
If the weather is mild (dry with non-frozen ground), remove sticks and matted leaves from the lawn surface.
Additional tips
Take time now to relax and read all of those horticultural magazines and garden books that were put aside during the busy holiday season.
This is a good time for cleaning, sharpening, repairing, or replacing tools and equipment. Make sure to give your tools a good oiling before putting away.
Source: Missouri Botanical Garden.
Dhruba Dhakal, Ph.D., is a University of Missouri Extension Horticulturist, serving Missourians in Central Missouri. Dhakal can be contacted at [email protected] with gardening questions.
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