January 24, 2024

January: Preparing Your Landscape for Growth January is the perfect time to set the stage for a healthy and thriving lawn and garden. Start by testing your soil to determine its pH level, aiming for a range of 6.8 to 7.2. If your soil is too acidic, apply lime to balance it. Begin designing your garden plans now and order seeds for new or unique varieties. To protect plant roots and promote growth, maintain a mulch layer at least 3 inches thick. Before an expected freeze, water plants 24 hours in advance to shield them from damage. Prepare vegetable gardens by tilling fallow areas to expose dormant insects to cold temperatures, reducing pests. For planting, start tomatoes and peppers from seed indoors, and sow carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, and radishes outdoors. December is the perfect time to transplant small trees and shrubs while they are dormant. Water plants at least 24 hours before a freeze to enhance cold tolerance. Prune dormant fruit and ornamental trees, and mow and fertilize ryegrass. Place holiday plants in bright, cool areas to prolong their blooms, and use fallen leaves as mulch or compost. December is all about protecting and preparing your landscape for the next […]