Lawn & Garden Tips

January Lawn & Garden Tips

January is a busy time for gardeners, even in the dead of winter. Traditional planting of bare root roses and deciduous fruit trees is done now before February rain. Plant California natives now, too.

• Plant Roses - Nurseries carry their best selection of roses, both bare root and potted or bagged. We recommend removing any soil and soaking roots overnight. Place in a hole wider than their spread, with a cone of soil amendment in the bottom. Pack soil around the roots up to the bud union and water. Mound soil over canes to protect them from hot sun and drying winds.
  
• Plant Fruit Trees - The selection of bare root fruit trees, grapes and berries is also at its best now. When buying, take care to choose varieties best suited to producing fruit in mild winters.
  
• Plant Natives - Many believe this is the best month to plant California natives and sow and water wildflower seeds. Others prefer to sow in February, when rains will let seeds sprout on their own.
  
• Prune Roses - After the middle of the month, prune roses, remove old canes and thin out branches. For best results, consult with your local nursery about the best way to prune, or check out one of many online resources, like http://www.garden.org/.
  
• Prune Fruit Trees - For healthy deciduous trees and good production, prune them now. This encourages new growth, especially if you leave the spurs which are the stubby branches that actually produce the fruit.
  
• Plant Early Birds - Garlic cloves, shallots and onion bulb sets can be planted for next summer's harvest. Remove just a scoop of soil with a hand trowel, set the clove or bulb in, and crumble the soil on top.