There is a laundry list of garden chores to do when the snow flies.
This list is certainly not exhaustive, but it does provide some stepping stones for my seasonal tasks and indoor gardening.
Some of the action items on my list include:
• Cleaning these hand tools – Here are some simple tips to take care of your equipment. In fact, this is one of those simple things that we have to do more than twice a year.
Start by washing the dirt off your appliances with a garden hose, cleaning with a wire brush. Soak the tools in any household cleaning solution.
Turpentine can be used for any items that can be covered with sap, and vinegar can be used to soak up rusted items.
Give the wooden handles a light rub with linseed oil. Thorough cleaning not only means cleaner equipment, but also ensures that your equipment lasts longer. Just think about protecting your investment.
• drawing – Hoes, shears, scissors, knives, loppers, pruners, and shovels all need sharpening occasionally. Wipe the blades with WD-40 or other lubricant.
Most knives can be filed with a 10-inch flat file that can be purchased at most hardware stores. File at an angle of 20 to 45 degrees for most tools; Following the main bevel is usually very easy.
For items that require a fine edge (trimming or trimming), use Whitton to finish the edge.
• Storage devices – Even when you know you’ll be using your tools the next day, don’t leave them in the elements. After cleaning, return used items to the shed, where they will be dry and rust-free.
The best way to store small spurs and tracks is to place them in a jar filled with sand that has been lubricated with motor oil. This will help the metal to cool well.
Larger tools are best hung in a dry, ventilated shed. A pegboard keeps everything organized and within easy reach. Keep the tools you use most often within arm’s reach and put the less-used items away as needed.
• TNon-use of mechanical devices – You may want to start taking your two- and four-cycle engine equipment to a mechanic. He can give them the usual checkup, replacing and updating anything the engine needs.
Spring is a busy time for most small motor mechanics, so start now to beat the rush.
• break the ice When there is snow, do not allow large amounts of heavy snow to accumulate on the branches. Some greens are especially prone to this.
Cover tall upright pine trees with burlap to protect against winter burns and heavy snow loads that do not occur in our area.
• Watch out for plant tremors – Newly planted trees and shrubs, not yet settled into their new soil home, are vulnerable to destruction when winter gales buffet them.
As the root ball loosens, you’ll notice a hole opening at the tip.
• Burn the weeds – If you have time, try to get ahead of winter annual weeds to wait patiently for a warm winter day to germinate. Spring is a busy season, so the sooner you can get ahead of the weeds, the better.
• Pruning trees and shrubs – There are several very informative links one can follow to find out when to cut. It is my annual goal to touch each tree and shrub at least once a year and make pruning decisions on each one.
• Draw those plans- Like most gardeners, I spend my summer entertaining, dreaming, plotting and ordering plants. I can’t wait to get those annual seed catalogs in January to see what’s new in my garden!
One of my favorite plants in my garden, and the so-called winter-blooming Christmas rose, is actually a hellebore (Helleborus niger), and hellebores are a delight for areas of the country where winter flowers are rare.
These long-growing plants like shade or bright sun and moist, organic soil; There are thousands of varieties, ranging in color from white and cream to rose, pink, burgundy and light green.
Mine are light green and I also have a beautiful pink variety. They are suitable for our environment and bloom year after year.
Another beauty is the winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), which blooms in January, which makes it a great candidate for creating a color palette on walls and banks in mid-winter.
Winterberry blooms with bright red berries that add fun color to evergreen shrubs. Cut some to bring inside for holiday cheer, but beware of sharp leaves.
There are many more beautiful winter flowers that you can find in our area. There are always plants to research and plans to develop the landscape in your yard, I hope you find inspiration in this article to get you through until spring.