Organic Living Calendar

Organic Living Calendar ed March , 2014 January Tips: Check on dahlia, canna, and gladiolus bulbs for rotting and/or drying out Prune away storm-damaged branches promptly to prevent tearing of the bark Prune forsythia, pussy willow, quince, etc. for forcing indoors Determine types and quantities of plants/seeds to order February Tips: Prune summer and fall blooming shrubs On frigid nights continue to protect indoor plants from freezing; move them away from the glass or cover glass with thick newspaper or cardboard Sow seeds of annuals which require a long growing season, e.g. lobelia, petunia, vinca, browallia, snapdragon, verbena, etc. Check on winter plant protection; add mulch and adjust plant stakes as necessary March Tips: Plant cold weather vegetables spinach, peas, lettuce, and broccoli as soon as soil is workable Cut ornamental grasses to new shoots Prune late-flowering shrubs such as buddleia and Hydrangea paniculata but wait until after flowering on early-flowering shrubs forsythia, Hydrangea macrophylla, rhododendron, and syringa Carefully remove winter mulches from planting beds Add compost in four to six inch layers and work into planting bed soil April Tips: Prune early spring-flowering shrubs immediately after flowers die. Make sure to leave bulb foliage until yellowed to ensure beautiful blooms year! ( my idea!) Can begin dviding some late flowering perennials. Re-seed bare lawn areas. Place peony ring supports. Plant out cool-season annuals pansies and snapdragons May Tips: Dig and divide early-blooming perennials after flowering Lift, divide, and replant late summer and fall-blooming perennial Deadhead bulbs but allow foliage to remain until yellow to nourish bulbs for year’s display Sow seeds of corn, cucumber, and melon directly in the garden Harden off tomato, eggplant, and pepper transplants before planting out at end of month Plant summer-flowering bulbs such as gladiolas and dahlias after last frost date Take out houseplants as temperatures moderate; move to partially shaded, wind-protected location June Tips: Leave grass clippings on lawn to improve availability of nitrogen Harvest cool-weather lettuce, radishes, and scallions Sow seeds of heat-tolerant vegetables Fertilize annuals and container plants Set supports for floppy plants, vines, and vegetables July Tips: Deadhead annuals and perennials to encourage continuous bloom, and cut any rampant growth Lift, divide, and replant late summer and fall-blooming perennial Remove any fallen leaves and debris that can harbor insect pests and disease organisms Finish deadheading rhododendrons and lilacs Continue to fertilize annuals and container plants each month Leave nitrogen-rich grass clippings on lawn Sow seed of lettuce, kale, broccoli, cabbage, radishes, and arugula for fall harvest August Tips: Order spring-flowering bulbs for fall planting Plant out seedlings of cool vegetable plants for fall harvest Shape and pinch houseplants before returning them indoors Check houseplants for insect pests and treat as necessary before bringing them in Sow seed of late-harvest vegetables such as carrots, beets, and turnips September Tips: Complete ordering spring-flowering bulbs and other plants for fall planting Plant and transplant broad-leaved and needle-leaved evergreens through October 15 Continue to divide and transplant early-blooming perennials Divide daylilies after flowering October Tips: Compost fallen leaves and garden debris such as annuals and spent vegetable plants Continue to plant spring-flowering bulbs; begin planting tulips before month’s end Prune late-flowering shrubs and trees when dormant Bring in all houseplants before frost November Tips: Cut perennials to -″, but leave ornamental grasses to provide winter interest until spring Mulch flower beds to keep soil temperature stable and prevent winter injury from frost heaving Continue to plant deciduous trees and shrubs until the ground freezes Complete planting spring-flowering bulbs Fertilize trees and shrubs before the ground freezes so that food is available to plants in early spring December Tips: After ground freezes, mulch perennial and bulb planting beds. The mulch will prevent heaving during the alternate freeze/thaw cycle Avoid the use of salt to melt snow as it is toxic to most plants. Use sawdust, sand, or cat litter Keep bird feeders filled throughout winter Continue to protect shrubs from deer with burlap or netting Hold off on fertilizing indoor plants until spring Set up Christmas tree in a reservoir stand. Cut on a slant about ″ above existing cut for optimum water absorption filed under: Blog