January Planting Tips From Agromin

JANUARY: STILL PLENTY OF WORK TO BE DONE IN THE GARDEN

CAMARILLO, CALIF. --Although most local gardens and landscapes are dormant in January, there is still opportunity to plant winter color and cool-season vegetables, say experts at Agromin, a Camarillo-based manufacturer of premium soil products. It's also time to spruce up landscapes so they are ready when spring finally arrives.

Plant cool-season annuals; trees: Winter flower gardens can thrive with cool-season annuals including pansies, violas and primrose. Select already-blooming flowers at garden centers for instant effect. The flowers will bloom well into spring. January is also a good time to plant bare-root trees, shrubs and vines.

Plant quick-growing vegetables: Not all vegetables hit their peak in summer. Vegetables such as lettuce, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, spinach, opinion, potatoes and beets all grow well in winter

Prune and rake: Prune deciduous trees and shrubs including fruit-baring plants. Rake fallen leaves from lawns so grass can soak up winter sun and properly dry from winter rains.

Care for living Christmas trees: Now that the holidays are over, it's time to bring living Christmas trees outside and transplant into the ground. Living trees should stay indoors for as little time as possible. Trees can easily grow 50 feet or higher so select their permanent outdoor location with care.

Extend the Life of Poinsettias: Poinsettias can live a long healthy life after the holidays. Place poinsettias in indirect sunlight at comfortable room temperature. Don't place the plants near doors where they may be susceptible to drafts or near fireplaces or ventilating ducts where they can be subjected to excessive heat. Only water the plants when the soil feels dry to the touch. When the flowers have lost their luster, cut them back to no more than eight inches tall. When the weather warms, bring them outside, transplant into bigger pots and continue to prune until they grow again into thick bushy plants in time for the next holiday season.