Dealing With That Little Shed Of Horrors

Resolve in 2015 to neaten that little shed of horrors. You know, that place in the back yard where things have simply been tossed throughout the year. There is likely a tangled cluster of tools, old hoses, pots and other gardening stuff. Now is the time to remove all that stuff, toss some, properly dispose of others and neatly return what we plan to use. It would certainly be nice to be able to walk into the shed again.

Part of what you might find in the shed are partially used containers of pesticides, fertilizers and similar chemicals. If you are not going to use these products, it is time to take them to a facility for proper disposal. Call your local University of Florida Extension Office to determine where you can properly dispose of these items in your county.

Keeping the garden growing is another good resolution and the secret to producing food for your table. No matter how small the garden might be, if there is nothing planted, it is not a productive spot. I am as guilty as most gardeners and it is one of my New Years Resolutions to keep the plantings up to date.

Right now is a good time for the cool season crops. Many gardeners plant broccoli, cauliflower, peas, lettuce and beets just to mention a few. But you can check out the entire list by obtaining a vegetable gardening guide from your local University of Florida Extension Office. When one crop finishes one of these should be planted.

Do consider keeping other New Years Resolutions too like tidying up the landscape. There are weeds to pull and out of bounds shoots to be removed. And how about the perennials that have grown too tall and wide? They can be trimmed back too. January is the month we can begin the maintenance we have been putting off for months. Remember? We have been waiting for the cooler weather.

Surely many gardeners want to trim their crape myrtles. But I am suggesting you wait just a bit longer. Crape myrtle trees and shrubs have been slow to lose their leaves and go dormant due to the warmish weather. It is best to wait until late January or early February this year. We do not want these plants to jump into growth too soon and be damaged by cold. And be kind by only removing the old seed pods and twiggy stems. Crape myrtles do not benefit from harsh pruning.

Some other new year, must do chores, include renovating overgrown beds, edging walkways and replenishing mulch layers. You might also take some time to discover new plants for the landscapes. One forgotten group is the bulbs. Some to try include the caladiums, blood lilies, crinums and rain lilies. These are tough durable plants for the landscape.

Lastly make time for something fun to do in the New Year. Visit some of the local botanical or private gardens. You may discover plants, landscape ideas and other projects you can use in the new year.

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Dealing With That Little Shed Of Horrors