By Mary Jane Frogge, Extension Associate in Lancaster County
African violets do well when potted in small pots. A good general rule is to use a pot one-third the diameter of the plant. Encourage African violets to bloom by giving them plenty of light. They can be in a south window during dark winter months. They bloom beautifully under fluorescent lights.
House plants with large leaves and smooth foliage such as philodendrons, dracaena and rubber plant, benefit if their leaves are washed with a damp cloth to remove dust.
Check fruits, vegetables, corms and tubers that you have in storage. Sort out any that show signs of rot and dispose of them.
Winter is a good time to start reviewing your garden notes to help with next year’s plans.
Bring out the bird feeders and stock them with bird seed for the birds. Remember to provide fresh water too.
Order seed catalogs now for garden planning in January. For variety, consider companies that specialize in old and rare varieties of wild flowers.
After the ground freezes, mulch small fruit plants such as strawberries. One inch of straw or leaves is ideal for strawberries.
Minimize traffic on a frozen lawn to reduce winter damage.
Clean and fix all hand tools. Repaint handles or identification marks that have faded over the summer. Sharpen all blades and remove any rust.
Clean power tools of all plant material and dirt. Replace worn spark plugs, oil all necessary parts, and sharpen blades. Store all tools in their proper place indoors, never outdoors where they will rust over the winter.
Place live Christmas trees away from fireplaces, radiators, heat vents and anything else that could dry the needles. Keep your Christmas tree well watered from the time it is brought home until it is discarded.