Winter Gardening
 Heavy snows can cause a great deal of damage to trees and shrubs, especially white and black pine trees. This Black Pine (pictured left) under great stress because of the heavy wet snow on its branches. It's important to remove the snow on all shrubs and trees quickly in order to prevent broken limbs and damaged buds that have been set. An easy way to remove the accumulated snow is to use a broom. It's important to lift up not down when removing the snow.
Gardeners are patient, forgiving and optimistic and will nurse a plant along knowing full well it is not going to survive. We do not get upset if the plant's performance was less than perfect because we know there is always next year to try again. Winter is a good time to assess the growing season while it is still fresh in our minds. Here is where a garden journal can come in handy. Use your observations, and recollections, and jot down how well each plant performed and if there was anything you could have done differently to improve their performances. January and February are also excellent months to read and research new plants.
 Natural food sources are scarce at this time of year, therefore, now is the time to feed the birds in your landscape. Use suet cakes along with birdseed to provide protein and fat for the birds. Keep fresh water in your birdbath to provide water for the birds. If you have a pond with fish, you may need to use a floating de-cer to keep the water from completely freezing and to keep your fish alive.
February is the time to prune fruit and shade trees if necessary. Mist ferns and gardenias once a week during the winter months, particularly if your house is very dry.
Winter is a great time to apply cow manure and other organic soil conditioners to your garden. Apply 2" deep in vegetable gardens and let the nutrients soak into the soil.
Check the leaves of your houseplants for insect problems like scale, mites and mealy bugs. If you detect a problem, take a sample to a reputable garden center and one of their plant specialists will diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate control. There are many ready-use spray products that contain Pyrethrins and/or Resmethrins, which are safe for indoor use.
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