Winter Garden Ideas

Green vegetation and colorful blossoms add color to the surroundings. However during the winter months, the landscape appears drab and depressing which is a grouse that most people have, besides complaints of freezing temperatures. Probably, any color appearing during November through February would be due to holiday displays. Winter container gardening is a beautiful way to spruce up the front of the house, the patio or deck with colorful displays of plants and flowers.

Container gardening in the ordinary sense is very easy and convenient, because any type of container will serve the purpose. Winter container gardening on the other hand needs to be approached differently. The container must be frost proof. Selection of the right type of container is of paramount importance. Ceramic or terracotta pots are not the best choice for winter gardening, as they tend to crumble in extremely cold climates. Metal, wood or resin containers with the customary drainage hole are ideal for winter container gardening.

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While many trees and plants go dormant in January, warm, sunny days can entice Southern California gardeners into their backyards where much can be done even in winter.

Plant dormant fruit trees: Stop by any nursery and you will see a variety of dormant fruit trees ready for planting. These bare root trees are typically less expensive than those potted in soil. Dormant fruit trees, including apples, cherry, pear and plums, require a certain number of “chill” hours (temperatures less than 45 degrees) to break their winter dormancy and produce healthy crops in summer. Make sure the chill-hour requirements meet the particular micro-climate in your area.

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