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November
29, 2000
Misery
Loves Company...
I don't know about the rest of you but winter is not my
favorite season. If you have been a reader since the
beginning you know this is not my first complaint and I am sure
it will not be my last. Although winter is difficult for me
it is comforting to know that there are others who feel the same
way I do and that we all hold on to the thought that Spring is
just around the corner.
The winter
months do give Kevin and I some time to catch up on book reviews
as well as reviews on products that we think are useful in the
garden. We already have had a few requests to review some
products so bear with us while we do our research. We hope
to start product and book reviews again in January. So, if
you are thinking about not reading Savvygardener.com this winter,
think again! You might just learn something new!
With the
temps rising these past few days don't forget to water! I
know that we stress this often but we are going on 14 days
without any precipitation so the ground needs a much needed
drink!
Don't
forget that the best way to support this newsletter is to support
our sponsors. They foot the bill! Now's the time to purchase your fresh Christmas tree at The
Sweet Onion! The highest quality bulk soil, compost and
mulch are only a phone call away at Missouri
Organic Recycling!
~
Shelly
No Mold
Instead Of Snow Mold...
One of the main problems facing lawns over winter is snow
mold disease. Lawns left very high for the winter, along
with being covered with debris such as leaves, are prime
candidates for damage. Other factors increasing the chances
for snow mold include excess nitrogen fertilizer, shade, poor
drainage, and excess thatch.
To help
avoid snow mold development make sure you:
- Clean up fallen leaves and other debris
from your lawn.
- Cut Zoysia
to 2 1/2 to 3 inches
- Cut fescue down to
2 inches
- Cut both bluegrass and newly seeded lawns down to 1
1/2 inches
- Avoid packing down snow cover on
lawns. Slowly melting areas may be more prone to snow mold
early next spring.
Who
Needs A Cold Drink?
Before you give your houseplants that next drink you should
know that according to Ohio State researchers cold water can destroy
the ability of root cells to take in water and nutrients.
Water below 50F was found to reduce leaf size, cause leaf drop,
and eventually contribute to the death of potted plants.
Those requiring frequent watering, such as spathiphyllum and
ficus, are especially prone to damage and should not be watered
with water below 65F. Other tests show that warmer water
(about 90F) actually stimulates growth.
Source
Keep A
Hose Handy...
Last week we talked about the proper way to store your garden
hoses for the winter. If this winter is anything like last
year you will want to keep at least one hose handy and ready for use.
One of the most important things you can do to maintain a healthy
lawn is keep it watered during a dry winter. If the weather
is dry and the temperatures are favorable we will remind you from
time to time to get out the hose and water. If possible
keep the hose in a heated garage or basement so that it is
flexible and ice free when you need it.
Protecting
Power Equipment...
Power equipment, such as lawn mowers, tillers and chippers
require additional winter preparations. As you're done with
any of these machines give them some TLC before giving them the
winter off.
- Wipe collected grease, dirt and plant
material from all equipment.
- Tighten
loose screws and nuts.
- Sharpen cutting edges and wipe
them with an
oily rag.
- If your equipment has a
four-cycle engine, change the oil by following instructions
listed in your owner's manual.
- Clean the oil and air filter line
by starting the engine and letting it run until it stops.
-
Two-cycle engines, or engines that run with a gas and oil
mixture, also should have the oil-gas mixture removed for the
winter. Run the engine with the choke open to remove fuel from
the lines.
- Check the spark plug and replace
it if it is worn.
- Replace other worn or damaged parts as well.
Also, avoid storing
gasoline over the winter. Old gasoline does not ignite easily,
making the machines using it work harder.
For A
Wiggly Winter...
Earlier this year we published an article on worm
composting. It's a great way to use kitchen waste to
create very rich castings for your garden. If you haven't
already started your own program this might be a good time to get
it going. It's fairly simple to do through winter and keeps
you "gardening" when you might otherwise go
dormant. If you want to get some children interested take
time to visit The
Adventures of Herman an educational website devoted to worm
facts and fun.
What's
Hot On the Hotline...
This is the Hotline's last submission for the season.
Appropriately the hotline staff have suggested a number of garden related books
to help you through the cold winter months ahead. Their
winter reading recommendations are in this
week's Hotline...
Last
Minute Chores...
The weather has been a bit tricky lately. Frankly it's
a little too cold too fast. This week's daytime
temperatures are expected to be in the 40s however. If
possible take advantage of the "warmth" by getting some last minute chores
done:
- Water
- It's been dry. Lawns, bulbs, and trees (especially
evergreens) need water now and through winter to survive and
thrive.
- Plant
Bulbs - As long as you can get them in the ground it's not
too late to plant spring flowering bulbs.
- Fertilize
Cool Season Grass - A good fertilizer application now will
mean a healthy, hearty springtime lawn.
- Remove
Dirt from Flower Pots - The freezing and thawing soil in
your flower pots will eventually cause the pots to
crack. What a waste!
- Water
- We're saying it twice. It's that important!
Finally...
"When
I speak
My lips feel cold -
The autumn wind." ~
Matsue Basho, Master Haiku Poet, 1644-1694 |
