Lawn and landscape

        • Plant your living Christmas tree as soon as possible. First, leave it in a semi-protected location for a few days to become acclimated to the cold outdoor temperatures.

        • Water newly planted landscape plants when a deep-freeze is announced. Wet soil protects the roots better than dry soil.

        • Check evergreens for signs of moisture stress. Water outdoor evergreens any time they need it when the ground is not frozen.

Flowers and vegetables

        • Mulch newly planted or tender perennials and bulbs with the branches of discarded Christmas tree.

Houseplants

        • Be careful not to overwater or fertilize houseplants. They are not growing or using much water at low winter light and temperature levels.

        • Empty saucers after watering houseplants to prevent overwatering and to remove salts that have been washed out of the soil.

        • Group large houseplants to increase the humidity around the plants, and also to serve as indoor landscaping.

        • Remove dust from houseplants by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth, or by giving plants a gentle shower in the sink or bath.

        • Start forcing amaryllis indoors for Valentine's day bloom.

Eco tip

        House plants are great air filters, using carbon dioxide to grow and returning oxygen to the air. The solid green spider plant puts out more oxygen than many other houseplants.

        Contact Sue Trusty by e-mail: strusty@civicgardencenter.org; phone: 221-8733.

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