Happy New Year! As the year begins, gardeners can enjoy a time of rest, preparation, and even some outdoor chores that help prepare for the coming growing season. But first, here are some suggestions of ways to recycle/repurpose your real holiday tree.
Dr. Elizabeth Lamb of the NYS IPM Program at Cornell University says there is always the option of keeping your tree up through the winter months. To stay in good condition, the tree especially needs lots of water and a reservoir that holds at least a gallon of water. It also helps if the tree is in a cooler spot in the house, away from heat sources or fireplaces. If you are ready to take your tree down, or if it has dried out and needs to be removed, Dr. Lamb says your tree can be put outside as a place of shelter for birds. You can just place it on the ground in a spot where it will not blow away in high winds, or stake it near a bird feeding station. It can be decorated with suet and bird food, or left to provide a place of safety for birds. Out in the cold, the tree holds up well for several weeks.
You can cut the branches off and use them as ground-cover/mulch/winter protection on your garden areas. The branches help to protect against frost heaving and can acidify soil. Dr. Lamb says your municipality may offer tree mulching and you might even be able to get the mulch back for your garden. Consider creating a winter fort/play area in your yard with your tree if you have young children or young visitors. Goats and pigs will eat evergreens. If you know someone with livestock, you may be able to spread Christmas cheer into the new year for animal friends.
Regarding winter in the garden, Penn State University Extension says there are many activities to keep you busy during the off-season. Winter is a great time for planning as seed and plant catalogs arrive. Research plant varieties you are interested in growing and determine what you will need for the harvests you would like. Paper notebooks or online tools can help you map out and plan your garden and landscape.
Check over your gardening equipment and supplies. Decide if you will be starting some seeds inside and if you will want peat pots, plastic trays, or other containers. Think about the seed starter medium you plan to use and check seed starting light sources to see if new bulbs are needed. Some seeds, such as onions and leeks, can be started as early as February. If you have not yet done so, clean and repair garden tools. Check the condition of tomato cages and other plant supports and purchase new items, if needed. Make sure you have a good pair of gardening gloves and shoes/boots that will protect hands and feet. Sharpen tools like clippers so that they are ready when you need them.
On winter walks, note dead limbs and branches and prune them back. If you see exposed crowns of perennial plants, push them back into the ground. Look for large animal and rodent damage on tree trunks, making sure protective plastic and wire trunk guards are secure. Adjust or replace as needed.
