Gardening by the Moon Weekend To-Do
An idea as old as agriculture, based both folklore and superstition but there are scientific ideas to back it up.
- Lunar Phase: Hanukkah begins on Sunday, December 18: Wednesday, December 21, Winter Solstice (Shortest Day Of The Year ); New Moon on Friday, December 23
- Saturday-Tuesday: Moon in the sign of Libra/Scorpio - Water, fertilize, prune, and compost
- Check the moisture level for all holiday-potted plants. Punch a hole in the bottom of the decorative covering around Poinsettias and other holiday plants, so the water drains out.
- Add a personal touch to wreaths and garlands with berries from Pyracantha, Cotoneaster, Nandinia, and other landscape shrubs.
Later in the Week
- During the winter months, Mother Nature's bounty is not so bountiful, so don't forget our feathered friends by keeping bird feeders full, placing Bird Bells around, and putting out treats like Suet Dough feeders.
Other Things To-do
- Mandarin Oranges and Tangerines should be ripening at this time of the year. It would help if you kept a small section of the stem attached to the fruit when they're picked.
- Yuletide Camellias make an excellent plant to decorate an entryway or deck. The red or pink flowers are colorful throughout January.