Horticultural Hints for January!


​Winter is for the birds, and they'll appreciate your assistance.
Winter means little water is available. If you put out a heated bird bath that keeps fresh water available for drinking and bathing, you’ll have a steady stream of visitors. If you also have out seeds and suet, you will have an unending show outside your window. And in the spring, your new friends, having grown accustomed to your property. will eat the insects you’re not so fond of feeding.
Think about spraying your plants to save them.
Winter is cruel to our plants. Harsh winds dry the leaves of the evergreens and hungry deer, rabbits and other varmints will eat almost anything they find. On warm dry days, you can spray evergreens with an anti-desiccant such as Wilt-Pruf that helps the leaves and needles retain moisture. A monthly spraying on another warm day with an animal repellent such as Liquid Fence or Deer-Off may prevent leaves and flower buds from disappearing into the stomachs of browsers.
It seems like everyone wants a vegetable garden!
If you haven’t ordered vegetable seeds already, get busy. Most companies’ seed catalogs are available on line, so there’s no need to wait for a printed catalog! 
A January bath improves houseplant health.
Use a plastic bag to cover the soil and place the plant in a sink or tub and spray gently with tepid water. By removing dust and any household pollutants, you’ll do your plants a world of good as well as improve their appearance. Wiping each leaf with a clean cloth can serve the same purpose but is much more time consuming.
Christmas trees aren't just for the holidays!  They can brighten our spirits all winter. Instead of throwing it out to the curb, when you take down your tree, place it upright, out of strong winds, to provide shelter for birds. If located near feeders, the trees provide a safe place for birds to eat or to wait their turn. It will provide refuge from predators as well as a shelter from bad weather.
Horticultural Hints are written and created by Betty Sanders. For more horticultural suggestions throughout the year, please visit www.BettyOnGardening.com
Martha's Vineyard Garden Club
PO Box 5061
Vineyard Haven MA 02568