Chute N The Bull 1-5-11

Although the weather has cooled off considerably, gardeners can still find plenty to keep them busy. Grass such as fescue should be fertilized at one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Continue to mow fescue as needed at two inches. Remember to water during dry conditions, too.Now is a good time to control broadleaf winter weeds such as dandelions. When it comes to tree and shrub care, prune deciduous trees early in the winter, but prune only for structural and safety purposes. Do not prune spring flowering plants until after they have flowered this spring. Fruit trees should be pruned in February or March before bud break. Young, thin-barked trees should be wrapped with a commercial protective material to prevent winter sunscald. You can continue to plant balled and burlapped trees, and watch for arborvitae aphids, which tolerate cooler temperatures in evergreen shrubs. Leftover garden seeds can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer until next planting season. However, seeds more than three years old should be discarded. Leaves should be raked and shredded and added to compost, used as mulch or tilled into garden plots. Now is a great time to clean, repair and store garden and landscape tools. Coat metal surfaces with a light application of oil to prevent rusting. Drain the fuel tanks of all power equipment, as well as irrigation lines and garden hoses. Coil water hoses and store them indoors. Although the wintery weather may not be what you consider the typical gardening season, there are plenty of opportunities for gardeners to get their gardening fix. The things you do to your gardens and landscapes at this time of year will give you a head start on the next gardening season. You can find this and past articles on the web at http://www.mycountrytractor.com/ for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating