Decorative garden in December
We finish cleaning
At the beginning of the month, weather permitting, we finish cleaning the garden.Grab the leaves, cut out the withered shoots, leaving only decorative seed heads, which will decorate the garden when frosted or lightly covered with snow.
We improve the soil structure
Before winter, we dig the soil to a depth of approx. 30 cm and leave it undrawn, i.e. in the so-called sharp furrow. In this way, we use the beneficial effects of frost to improve the soil structure.
We cover the plants
In December, we still cover plants that are sensitive to low temperatures. When covering, pay attention first of all to perennials planted in September and October.They have not yet developed strong roots to survive the adverse conditions.
Trees and shrubs: beautiful bouquet hydrangea
Bouquet hydrangea is a very pretty and elegant plant, naturally found in Japan, China, Korea and the south-eastern areas of Siberia, where it grows both in open forest areas, as well as mountain slopes and valleys.In the garden, it fits perfectly with shrubs and conifers.Growers have created numerous varieties of bouquet hydrangea, which differ in the size of the inflorescences and their color during the fading process.
The varieties that naturally color the flowers pink and red in autumn and at the beginning of winter are especially valuable. The flowers are gathered in large conical inflorescences and are composed of barren flowers and small fertile flowers.Some varieties produce almost exclusively sterile flowers.
Bouquet hydrangea is easy to grow. In the garden, it can be planted in larger groups or singly. He creates flowers on young shoots. It winters very well, and in spring its last year's shoots are trimmed relatively short, that is above the 3-5 buds.The inflorescences of the bouquet hydrangea during the autumn coloring are perfect for various types of living and dry compositions in vases.
Vegetable seed: seed from its own flower bed
Sowing material, most often seeds or fruit, obtained from your own vegetables, may be useful in the next growing year. This relationship applies only to the so-called varieties. established.However, such treatments can be performed only once or twice.Later the variety erupts, plants yield less and are more susceptible to diseases.However, it should be remembered that the harvested seed material should be stored in appropriate conditions.
Only mature, well-developed, undeformed seeds are suitable for reproduction. After drying and initial selection, the seeds should be stored in a dry and cool place, so as not to expose them to moisture and mold formation.Heterotic varieties (marked as F1) produce seeds that will not repeat the parental characteristics and will not produce a very abundant harvest.Collecting seeds of such varieties is basically pointless.
Orchard: dangerous winter cut
There are two basic dates for apple pruning: summer and winter. During the summer, we do not protect wounds after pruning because they are not harmful to the he alth of the tree.Wounds heal quickly, mainly due to high temperatures and sun.The tree itself, being in full vegetation, produces protective tissue, and the wound heals quickly as a result.However, pruning trees in winter is much more dangerous.
During the dormant period, the healing of wounds takes longer than in summer, as a result of which harmful fungi have easier penetration into the wounds formed after cutting. Each pruning damages the protective layer of the bark.By cutting off a branch, we leave exposed wood tissues exposed to pathogens.
There are, however, commonly available preparations to protect the damaged tissue of the tree. They create a layer that protects against unfavorable environmental conditions. They contain a fungicide that reduces the penetration of harmful fungi that cause serious diseases of tree bark and wood.
Sometimes these preparations are referred to as artificial bark, because in a sense they form a coating that acts as the bark.When making a cut when it is rainy and cool outside, we protect the wounds after cutting branches as soon as possible Thanks to this, trees in good condition will start growing in spring.
Flowers at home in December
Careful watering
Plants are very sensitive to overflow during winter dormancy.Slow life processes prevent plants from using as much water as they do during intensive summer growthSo we water the plants less often, letting them dry out a bit. After watering (after about 20-30 minutes), pour out the excess water accumulating in the coasters.
To save dry plants
The second mistake of winter houseplant care is too rare or too little watering, leading to the drying of the plants. If we dry the substrate, it is difficult to bring it to the right humidity.
Then immerse the entire pot in water and leave it for several minutes, until the air bubbles stop coming out.After draining the excess water, place the plants in their place.
