While we wait for spring, here are some tasks that can be done to get ready for “full speed ahead gardening”.
Tools
Taking good care of our tools now will save us problems later on. Sharpen anything that cuts, such as hoes, shovels, pruners, loppers, shears, etc. Do it yourself or take them to a reputable sharpener. (Two local sharpeners are Lon’s Sharpening Svc, 830-8740, often at the Prescott Farmer’s Mkt, and General Sharpening Shop, 778-7091 , on Fair St in Prescott). All tools such as forks, shovels, spades, axes, etc. should be cleaned of any soil, rubbed with steel wool to remove any rust, then rubbed with a light coat of oil to help prevent rust. Even oil the wooden handles to keep them from drying out and splintering. Wipe excess oil from metal and wood. (Helpful hint, try olive oil cooking spray).
Trellises and Supports
Check wooden trellises and supports for breaks. After a few years, wooden supports can start to deteriorate and should be repaired or replaced.
Pruning and Spraying
January and February are the best months to prune and spray fruit trees and other deciduous trees and most shrubs, except roses which should be done in late March, early April. Spraying with dormant oil will coat the trunk and branches with oil, which smothers any insect eggs hiding in the bark or crotches. Lime sulfur, a fungicidal spray, helps prevent fungus problems. Both dormant oil and lime sulfur can be used on fruit trees and berry vines. After pruning, first apply lime sulfur, then dormant oil. Always follow label directions.
Watering
Water evergreen and deciduous trees , shrubs and perennials at least once a month in the winter months, depending on precipitation. The cold and freezing temperatures desiccate plants, drying them out below as well as above ground. Rule of thumb: during the winter, apply as much water with each application as you would during the growing season, but less frequently.
Rest and Relaxation
We can sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy looking through all those seed and plant catalogs while we wait for spring. It will be here before we know it!
Happy gardening from the Antelope Garden Club.
Written by Valerie Phipps, member
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