Gardening Tips-November/December 1998

After a month of cold temperatures, pot up chives and bring indoors. Cut back and water.

Cover garden tools with a light coating of oil to prevent rust.

Nutritious sprouts can be grown in jars. Fun for kids. Factsheet available from the Extension Office.

Have problems in the vegetable garden? Check out the University of Illinois Extension’s Ask the Expert to get all your questions answered.

Ornamental Plants

• Do not use salt to clear snow or ice away. Runoff will harm nearby plants.

• Decorate evergreens for the holidays.

• Overwintering plants in containers? Loosely place wire mesh around the planter and fill the space with leaves.

• Continue to plant bulbs as long as ground isn’t frozen.

• Decorate your window boxes with evergreens and berries.

• Move smaller containers with trees and shrubs to an unheated garage.

• Mulch perennial bed after ground is frozen.

• Send a garden gift to a friend or relative. List of ideas available from the Extension Office.

• Keep poinsettias away from warm or cold drafts. Poinsettias and holiday plant care information available.

• Cover your flower beds with Christmas tree branches for winter protection.

• Birds need water in the winter. Use a durable plastic flower pot saucer to hold water.

• Caulk any holes used by wasps to enter your home or garage.

• Buy a fresh cut Christmas tree at a local farm. Check out University of Illinois Extension's Christmas Trees & More website.

Interior Plants

• Did you know live mistletoe stems, leaves and berries are poisonous? Keep away from children.

• Thinking of growing orchids? They need an indoor environment with temperatures between 60-80°F and high humidity plus 12-14 hours of light.

• Buy an orchid as a cut flower. Expensive, but blooms can last for weeks.

• Punch holes in foil around holiday plants to allow drainage.

• Use aluminum foil to line window sills. The foil reflects light and provides extra light for houseplants.