While others are stuck inside waiting for milder weather, San Diego gardeners have plenty to do this month while we wait for rain.
Buy Bare-Root, But Check Chill Times First
Bare-root roses, deciduous fruit trees, grapes, cane berries, asparagus and artichokes are starting to show up in nurseries this month. Before you purchase a bare-root stone fruit or apple tree, make sure you are buying the right variety for your garden. Different varieties require a specific number of chill hours to flower and set fruit. (Chill hours are when temperatures drop below 45 degrees.)
We have Anna and Golden Delicious apple trees that bear tons of fruit. We also had two other apple trees that barely produced in our yard, so it’s important to plant varieties that work best in your microclimate.
The University of California has chill hour charts for different locations in San Diego County. You can find them at the University of Riverside, Fruit & Nut Research and Information Center and the UC Davis Fruit & Nut Research & Information Center.
Manage Weeds in San Diego Gardens
With the rain that hopefully will show up soon, come the weeds. Mulch flower and vegetable beds to keep weeds from growing. Hand pull or hoe newly emerging weeds before they have a chance to set seed. If you want to know which weeds you’re fighting and the best way to control them, UC Davis has a Weed Gallery that will help.
Spray and Prune Dormant Plants and Trees
Prune roses by cutting out all dead wood along with branches that are crossing or twiggy. In general, you should leave five to seven good canes. But different types of rose require different types of pruning.
If you want to learn how to properly prune hybrid teas, floribundas, shrub roses, climbing roses and others, the San Diego Rose Society is having a pruning demonstration (https://www.sandiegorosesociety.com/) at the Inez Parker Grant Rose Garden in Balboa Park on Saturday, January 11 from 9-11 am. The Master Gardener Association will also be there to clean and sharpen one pair of pruners for free.
San Diego Gardens Tips Source
A lot of information for San Diego Gardens comes from the Master Gardener Association of San Diego County. They are a great resource for all of your gardening needs including planting, pests, vegetables, and water use. They even have a free hotline where you can get your home gardening and pest control problems answered.