The holiday season is over, but I am sure that many of you



still have a pretty poinsettia plant in your home.

 

Right?

I have a beautiful pink one this year. I have still not accomplished keeping one alive. I made it to April last year.

 

I have been letting this one sit out in the coolness of the front porch on calm days.

I always thought that it is because of the hot Texas climate why I cant seem to keep one alive, however, I have been handed down some wonderful advice on keeping these plants alive.........even in harsh environments.

To keep your plant cool and happy............place about 3 to 4 ice cubes on top of the soil of the potted plant. Continue to do this every day. When the cold season passes and the weather gets hot, transplant your poinsettia outside in a cool shady spot. Keeping it moist when needed.  I am told it will live or come back up when the cold weather returns.

I have been using the ice cubes every day and my plant is vibrant. I am not placing it into the ground because I have too many rodents that will dig it up. Instead, I am placing it into a container and then placing it into a cool shady spot when winter is over.

I hope this will work.

 

 

Along the grounds I still have pansies blooming, although the temperature has dipped down to 19 degrees.

 

Other plants like the Stock flower, Italian Jasmine and Larkspur

are starting to bud and bloom.

Here are a few garden tips for the month of January, that I hope you may find  helpful in your winter garden.

 

 

Use this month to check your houseplants: divide and re-pot any pot-bound plants.

Plan your garden and make a diagram drawn to scale before placing your spring order.

Organize, clean, oil, and sharpen garden tools. A splash of bright paint on tool handles will make them easier to spot out in the yard

Prune fruit trees now. The prunes can be gathered up into bundles to be used for kindling after they’ve dried.

Order seed catalogs early in the month. Research plants. Consider edible varieties that are drought-tolerant or disease-resistant.

Start ordering seeds. Do not wait until late in the winter, as varieties may sell out early.

Fertilize your houseplants with a water-soluble fertilizer and remember to water them.

Remember to wash and sterilize seed-starting containers before planting seeds. Use 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.

If you want to give your vegetables an early start, use season-extending devices such as cold frames or hot beds

How about you?

Are you successful in keeping poinsettias alive and growing?

Are you looking forward to a  spring garden even though it is freezing outside?

I would love to hear!