January Gardening In The Low Desert 1999

Perennial vegetables such as artichokes and asparagus can be planted this month; asparagus does well in the alkaline soils of the low desert.

Spray dormant trees and shrubs after pruning with lime sulfur, copper compound, or mineral oil to control some fungus diseases and destroy mite eggs but don't use the sprays if temperatures are over 80F.

You can still set out bedding plants and keep them healthy with regular watering and a light monthly feeding of low-nitrogen fertilizer, or a single application of a slow-releasing 14-12-14 fertilizer. Pinch back stems of petunias, snapdragons, and stock to encourage branching.

Shred the fallen leaves, if possible, and add to your compost pile - turning the pile occasionally. See November's article on Gardening In The Low Desert for more information. One of the alternatives to having a compost pile is to bury your composting material directly into your garden and flower beds.

We are fortunate indeed to live in an area in which we can garden year round. While other gardeners are snowed in, we can harvest our winter veggies, tend our perennials and watch for the spring bulbs to poke through. It's amazing that some of our veggies live through the cold weather and continue bearing.

Herb of the month: Basil, with many varieties ranging from lemon, spicy, and cinnamon in addition to the standard basil. Very good in cooking many things, one of my favorite being cooked carrots in butter and basil. Easily grown from seed. Basil comes from hot, dry places...surely a treasure for our climate.

Hint of the month: Save those larger trimmings from your trees, shrubs and grapevines to make garden sculptures, crafts and trellises. A good book for this is: Making Bentwood Trellises, Arbors, Gates and Fences by Jim Long (Storey Books) www.storey.com ISBN 1-58017-051-X in paperback or Amazon.com, less than $20 with shipping.

Best Wishes for a great gardening year!!

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