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!!