• Home
  • January to-do list

January to-do list

Rebecca Jepsen
San Jose Mercury News correspondent
12/30/2011

Fruit tree pruning is best done in January and February.

  • Prune off dead or damaged branches.
  • Open up the tree's canopy by removing crossing branches.
  • After pruning, apply a dormant oil spray to ward off scale, mealy bugs, whiteflies and mites.
  • Pruning should be completed by the end of February before buds begin to open.

    Call your area Master Gardener office for information regarding the Pruning Fruit and Nut Tree pamphlet.

    • Fireproofing the area within the first 30 feet of your home can mean the difference of saving or losing your home.

  • Never plant pines, junipers, eucalyptus or greasewood trees within this zone. They are high in oils and resins and are extremely flammable.
  • Keep brush and small branches trimmed away from structures.
  • Small plants, no taller than 18 inches, and fire-resistant ground covers are recommended.
  • For more information on fireproof landscaping and an extensive list of plants, go to www.bewaterwise.com/fire02.html.

    •   

    Moss and algae in the lawn is usually caused by neglect. It may be because of poor drainage, too much water, soil compaction, restriction of air flow, too much thatch or a soil imbalance.

  • Reduce watering, dethatch, reduce compaction by aerating, perform a soils test -- the pH should have an acidity range of 6 to 7.
  • An application of fertilizer will help with moss, whereas algae needs a reduction of fertility.

    •   

    Frost is a danger in the coming weeks.

  • Protect sensitive plants by keeping soil moist.
  • Cover plants with a blanket or cloth during the night if under a freeze warning.
  • If possible, move potted plants under eaves, preferably on the east or south side of the house.

    •   

    Move houseplants to a bright, sunny location.

  • Clean foliage by washing sturdy leaves with a moist cloth or rinse the entire plant under a tepid shower.
  • Dust felty leaves and succulents with a soft brush.

    For our complete list of January Gardening Tips, click on: www.mastergardeners.org/tips/january.html

    • What to plant now

    Bare root: Artichokes, asparagus, blackberries, grapevines, onions, raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, roses, fruit trees, perennials.

    Seeds: Arugula, Asian greens, bell beans, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, peas, salsify, spinach.

    To find a list of cool season vegetables that do well in your area, contact your local Master Gardeners.

    Rebecca Jepsen is a Santa Clara County Master Gardener. Have a question? Email home@bayareanewsgroup.com.

    The Master Gardener programs are UC Cooperative Extension, county based volunteer organizations dedicated to providing research-based gardening information to home gardeners. And they love sharing information and answering questions. Santa Clara Master Gardeners, 408-282-3105, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. http://mastergardeners.org/scc.html