Happy New Year greetings to all! May you be blessed this year with plants that grow great and weeds that don't! At least, may we have weather that is cooperative with all our plans! That brings us to the first topic this month. We never know what to expect in January. Sometimes we have hot enough temperatures to get out in the garden in shorts. This year may bring more cold and rain our way for several months. Be careful with your fertilizing during the colder months, especially on plants that are more sensitive. A bit of warm weather may seem like a good time to give a boost of nitrogen, but for some plants the new growth that follows could be damaged if we get another cold snap. Give us a call if you are unsure about using fertilizer in your situation.

Speaking of new growth, remember that your roses need a chance to rest. Colder parts of the country require dormant season preparation, but in fabulous Southern California, the roses often seem like they don’t want to stop. We had one bush in full bloom a week before Christmas! But at some point, you will need to prune your bushes and get them ready to start out fresh in a new season. January is the typical month for that, so be sure to schedule that chore. Plan to spray after you prune, with dormant oil to kill insects and eggs, and lime-sulfur or copper for diseases.

It looks like we will get a good amount of rainfall the first quarter of this year. Many people take advantage of this and reduce the amount and frequency of their irrigation cycle. Just remember that some plants may be isolated from the benefit of the rain if they are under the eaves or on a protected side of the house. They may need supplemental watering. Plants that do not have adequate moisture are less able to handle the stress of cold, so be watchful. Don’t forget that this is an excellent time of year to make adjustments to your irrigation system, when the plants won’t be glaring at you to get the water back on! Please let us assist you with recommendations that can save you time and money with an improved watering plan.

As the rains come, so grow the weeds. In case you didn’t know, it is acceptable, even legal, to kill weeds that are underage. They look harmless enough when they are only an inch or two tall, but they won’t stay that way for long. If you get out with the appropriate weed killer when the weeds are young, that might save you a lot of trouble come springtime when you would rather be planting your garden. We can offer suggestions for the best products to use in different places. It is never a surprise when people stop by later in the year to ask for something that will kill the four-foot monsters. Maybe this year you’ll be one of the smart ones, get them early, and especially get them before they go to seed. (I’ll help you celebrate by selling you something you can enjoy instead of extra weed killer.) Remember that cold weather slows the visible results of these products, so be patient after you apply it. If you follow the directions, it will work.