Beverley Square West Association

In the Garden Corner 12/08-01/09 Vera Julia Gordon

Jan 02, 2009

January: It is really winter, but that does not mean we can?’t have warm days, the ones my grandmother called ?“borrowing days?” when the weather seems to be that which is usual for a month or so later. Of course, we can also be below freezing, even in the daytime, for the entire month! Given our recent pattern of alternating dry and wet weather, combined with major temperature fluctuations, it may be an interesting month. Remember the rough equation of an inch of rain is a foot of snow. Snow is an excellent mulch, but pull any leaves six or so inches away from the trunks of shrubs to discourage nibbling insects or animals. Days are lengthening: by the end of January the sun rises about 15 minutes earlier and sets about 35 minutes later for a total gain of about 50 minutes. If bulbs begin to sprout or leaves to open there is nothing that will stop the process except cold. The plants will not perish.
Recycle pine branches as mulch layers. See ?“NYC Christmas tree recycling?” above. As tree branches come down in storms, check them for signs of the Asian Long Horned beetle: round half-inch diameter holes or tan egg masses of the same size. Call 1-800-STOP-ALB if you find anything suspicious.
January is planning time. What perennials and annuals were successful, and which failed? Was it a matter of location? Water? Sun? Shade? Plant variety? Which vegetables were (or were not) popular? Consider a new variety of a favorite plant, or a new plant entirely. What herbs do you long to try? What looked well in neighbors?’ gardens? What colors looked well? What would add sparkle for the Greenest Block in Brooklyn competition? Study the catalogs. Turn down the pages; consider the time available to plant. Then get your orders in so you will not lose out if suppliers run short. Nurseries will ship for the proper planting time, so if you are ordering for an area other than Brooklyn, specify that when you order.
In a day when the ground permits, pull out any weeks near your walkways, but do not walk on saturated soil so you will not compact it. Enjoy the luster of January branches and Venus and Jupiter in the Southwest in the early evening. Enjoy your winter garden.