Extension

Lawn & Turf

• Remove leaves from cool-season grasses or mow with a mulching mower. (HLA-6420)
• Continue mowing cool-season lawns on a regular basis. (HLA-6420)
• Continue to control broadleaf weeds in well-established warm or cool-season lawns with a post-emergent broadleaf weed killer. (HLA-6421)

 

Tree & Shrubs

• Select a freshly cut Christmas tree. Make a new cut prior to placing in tree stand. Add water daily.
• Live Christmas trees are a wise investment, as they become permanent additions to the landscape after the holidays.
• Light prunings of evergreens can be used for holiday decorations. Be careful with sap that can mar surfaces.

 

Flowers

• Apply winter mulch to protect rose bush bud unions and other perennials. Wait until after several early freezes.
• Poinsettias must have at least six hours of bright, indirect light daily. Keep plants away from drafts. (HLA-6413)
• Watch for and control pests on indoor houseplants. (HLA-6411)
• Make sure indoor plants are receiving enough light or set up an indoor fluorescent plant light. (HLA-6411)

 

Fruits & Nuts

• Cover strawberry plants with a mulch about 3-4 inches thick if plants are prone to winter injury. (HLA-6214)
• Wait to prune fruit trees until late February or March. (HLA-6228)

 

General

• Keep all plants watered during dry conditions even though some may be dormant. Irrigate all plantings at least 24 hours before hard-freezing weather if soil is dry. (HLA-6404)
• Order gardening supplies for next season.
• Now is a great time to design and make structural improvements in your garden and landscape. (HLA-6425, HLA-6440, HLA-6441)
• Christmas gift ideas for the gardener might include tools, garden books, magazine subscriptions, or membership to The Botanic Garden at OSU.
• Clean and fill bird feeders.
• Till garden plots without a cover crop to further expose garden pests to harsh winter conditions.
• Visit your county extension office or visit the fact sheets web page to obtain gardening information for the new gardening season.
• Join a horticulture, plant, or urban forestry society and support community “greening” or “beautification” projects.
• Review your garden records so you can correct past mistakes. Purchase a new gardening journal or calendar to keep the New Year’s gardening records.