It’s almost December, and we in the DC area are in Plant Hardiness Zone 7 as defined by the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Many folks may be wondering, if I live in Zone 7, is it OK to plant and/or transplant in December?
There is an old saying that, “when the ground is soft enough to plant, the plants are soft enough to be planted.” In other words, you can plant until the soil is frozen solid and the temperatures remain consistently above freezing. Even if the soil freezes immediately after planting, your shrub or tree will be just fine.
In fact, the Plant Man writes, “Because they are in their dormant period, trees and shrubs are less likely to suffer ‘transplantation shock’ at this time of year.” (December).

The following additional links will be helpful to you as well.

• Fall Tips for Planting - http://www.gardensalive.com/article.asp?ai=120
• Zone 7 Planting Calendar - http://zone7nursery.com/its-time-to.html

Happy Planting!

 

(Questions about planting? Contact Johnson's Landscaping - we'd love to help!)

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These easy tips will help you prepare your landscape for the winter months: 

Pull mulch back from the base of young trees, particularly if mice are a problem in your area; they can chew on the bark.

Mulch after the first freeze to insulate plants against freezing temperatures, especially those that are marginally hardy.

Spray trees that are prone to insect and disease problems with dormant oil, provided temperatures are above 40 degrees F.

Turn the compost pile one last time, and cover with a tarp to preserve heat and keep heavy rain from leaching nutrients.

Remove leaves from water gardens; when they decompose they can release chemicals harmful to fish.

Clean your tools and apply a coat of oil to metal surfaces to prevent rust.

Disconnect and drain hoses to keep freezing water from bursting hoses or pipes.

Remove dead plants and potting soil from clay pots to keep them from cracking. Store the pots in a garage or shed.

 

 

vole damage

 Source: HGtv.com

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 Not Your Average Pansy Every fall and spring all you see are the usual pansies in annual beds and containers. When the temperature drops and precipitation is in the forecast, those pansies look terrible and can develop gray mold. The pansy's cousin, the viola, is stronger and hardier, but has small blooms. Horticulturists have introduced the panola as a cross between the two. The panola has larger blossoms, better performance during inclement weather, and longer lasting blooms. The panola should be your new fall color standard!

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