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 plants, benefit if their leaves are washed with a damp cloth to remove dust.
After the ground freezes, mulch small fruit plants such as strawberries. One inch of straw or leaves is ideal for strawberries.
Order seed catalogs now for garden planning in January. For variety, consider companies that specialize in old and rare flower varieties or wild flowers.
Clean power tools of all plant material and dirt. Store all tools in their proper place indoors, never outdoors where they will rust over the winter.
Winter is a good time to start reviewing your garden notes to help with next year’s plans.
Remove all mummified fruit from fruit trees and rake up and destroy those on the ground. Also, rake and dispose of apple and cherry leaves. Good sanitation practices reduce insects and diseases the following season.
Be sure not to store apples or pears with vegetables. The fruits give off ethylene gas which speeds up the breakdown of vegetables and will cause them to develop off-flavors.
Check fruits, vegetables, corms and tubers you have in storage. Sort out any that show signs of rot and dispose of them.
Winter is a good time to inspect trees and shrubs for bagworm capsules. Remove and destroy them to reduce next year’s pest population.
Place fresh Christmas trees away from fireplaces, 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 recycled.
A home weather station that includes a minimum-maximum thermometer, a rain gauge and a weather log is a good gift for a gardener.