January Garden Tips

plants with snow on them

With the cold temperatures and everything in the garden being dormant there isn’t anything to do in the garden or is there?  There are a few things to put on your gardening to do list when you find a nice day.
Fill the bird bath and bird feeder.  Birds need water and food during the winter and we can all help.  You may want to consider a heater to keep the water in the bird bath from freezing or purchase one with a built in heater to minimize your commitment or choose a sturdy, weather proof container, such as a heavy duty plastic saucer.  Dump out the ice in the morning and fill it with warm water so it won’t freeze right away.
 
 
Be on the lookout for frost heave.  Its winter and the ground is going to freeze.  we have seen the ground freeze and thaw a number of times already.  This can damage plants that were installed later in the year that have not gotten established.  The biggest concern is for smaller plants and plants with shallow roots.  The frost can actually lift the plants out of the ground or expose the roots. Exposed roots are susceptible to drying from the sun and wind.  Cover any exposed roots with mulch until the root ball can be reset in the spring.  We generally stop planting perennials before thanksgiving to avoid this issue.  We are less concerned with larger container and B&B shrubs and trees since the root balls are deep enough that the frost generally won’t get to the bottom and heave the plant.
Spotted lantern fly defense.  While outside on garden patrol look for egg masses of spotted lantern fly.  They are a putty colored mass that can be found on trees, fences, trellises, garden furniture, pots, rocks, or just about anything outdoors.  This pest has become a real problem in the area and although there is no great solution for it right now eliminating the egg masses will go a long way to control it.  You can smash the egg masses or scrape them off into a container of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.  Seal the container and discard it.  Spotted lantern fly’s favorite trees to feed on are Ailanthus, Appl, Plum, Maple, Grape, and Pine.  Since the lantern fly can enter your yard from a neighbors spraying them is not an effective control.  The arborist we work with suggests using a systemic insecticide on vulnerable species so when the insect begins to feed on the plant it will ingest the chemical and die.
Get tools ready for spring.  Clean off any remaining soil, remove rust, and sharpen your pruning and digging tools.  Tools work their best when clean and sharp.  We sharpen all of our shovels, spades, axes, mattocks, and pruners on a regular basis.  Having a sharp tool makes digging easier and yield cleaner pruning cuts allowing the plant to heal quickly. Putting a light coating of oil on them will keep them from rusting over the winter months.  If you are using the tools around edible crops you will likely want to consider using food safe materials such as coconut oil or butchers block conditioner.
 
 
Get an early start on spring plants.  Although its too early to plant some seeds now is  a perfect time to plant perennials and woody plants if you prefer to save money.  There are many plants that need to cold to break down a tough seed coat.  Sow your seeds in pots and place them in a shed or outdoors in a spot protected from mice.  If you need a cover you can use an old fish tank of plastic box with a screen on top to protect them.  If you have them inside or a spot that isn’t exposed to rain or snow water them periodically to keep the soil moist not saturated and make sure the containers you plant them in will drain.
 

Professional Landscaping Services in Fort Washington, PA, and Throughout Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, and Bucks County

Bala Cynwyd

Bala Cynwyd

Blue Bell

Blue Bell

Chestnut Hill

Chestnut Hill

Dresher

Dresher

North Wales

North Wales

Spring House

Spring House

Plymouth Meeting

Plymouth Meeting

Wyndmoor

Wyndmoor

Fort Washington

Fort Washington

Jenkintown

Jenkintown

Meadowbrook

Meadowbrook

Rydal

Rydal

Flourtown

Flourtown

Gladwyne

Gladwyne

learn more about the services we offer.

From solving drainage problems to creating elegant outdoor living areas, our experienced team can manage even the most complex outdoor projects. For specialty elements, we bring in our trusted partners and monitor their contribution to ensure they meet our standards, allowing you to continue working with one point of contact. This is what we can do for you:

Landscape Design

We take the time to truly understand your objectives, whether that is to create an outdoor oasis for your family, increase value and curb appeal, save water and energy with low-maintenance solutions, or all of the above. Our designs account for every detail of your space. Visit our Landscape Design page to learn more.

Landscape Installation

Our talented craftspeople and experienced horticulturists specialize in elegant plantings, pergolas, water features, patios, walkways, and so much more. We maintain industry certifications and affiliations, including ICPI, NALP, PLNA, and PCH, among others. Visit our Landscape Installation page to learn more.

Landscape Maintenance

Our full-service maintenance programs are customized to meet your property needs with services like weeding, mulch installation, deadheading, pruning, bed care, seasonal cleanup, seasonal flower installation, and lawn mowing. Visit our Landscape Maintenance page to learn more.

Outdoor Living

By designing an outdoor living space that matches your interests and accommodates your desired lifestyle, you make better use of your property and spend more time outside. Consider what an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, fireplace, or paver patio could mean for your daily life. Visit our Outdoor Living page to learn more.

Landscape Lighting

The right landscape lighting can increase visibility, increase value, deter trespassers, and create a specific ambiance in your backyard or front yard. It is a simple way to upgrade your existing landscape or make it a part of your holistic outdoor transformation. Visit our Landscape Lighting page to learn more.

Drainage

Without proper drainage, your plants, hardscaping, and home's foundation are at risk of water damage. Drainage solutions can be built inconspicuously into the landscape to protect your property. Visit our Drainage page to learn more.

Commercial Services

We offer snow removal, landscape design and installation, drainage solutions, and landscape maintenance for commercial properties of all shapes and sizes. Visit our Commercial Services page to learn more.