December Potted Garden Tips

December Garden Tips

The Last of the Summer Plantings!

Around your own home, you will have extremes in temperatures in "mini" microclimates.  Elevations, nearby washes, hardscape, and orientation of your home all contribute to this phenomenon. If you pay close attention to the differences around your home and in your neighborhood, you will develop a sense of what plants do well for you and what you need to protect in the event of a freeze or frost alert.

Tips for preventing frost damage:

• Water the plants well the morning before possible frost/freeze.
• Cover with frost cloth. Do not use plastic covers.
• Tie or fasten the bottom so that the air does not get under it. Use clothespins!
• Bring potted plants that are very tender close to protected walls, under carports, in garages or inside if possible.
• Use Styrofoam cups on columnar cactus tips.
• Wait to cut back frost damaged branches until March!!

Freeze Alert!

There is a freeze warning for the Tucson area for   tonight through Thursday morning.   Be sure you cover your plants! Cover tender annuals and perennials  Do not use towels or plastic.  Plastic conducts the cold towels hold in the moisture which will then freeze Use Clothespins or rocks to tie down the frost cloths.  Keep plants covered at least until Thursday mid-morning.  Double check the forecast for Thursday night to see if it is ok to uncover. Cover newly planted tender plants. Citrus, tender annuals such as geraniums, euphorbias Agaves and tropical plants. If you have any questions,  email Catherine or me  and we will try to help.