{"id":9251,"date":"2022-01-02T22:42:23","date_gmt":"2022-01-03T03:42:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.earthworksjax.com\/?p=9251"},"modified":"2023-05-25T08:57:07","modified_gmt":"2023-05-25T08:57:07","slug":"january-lawn-and-garden-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.earthworksjax.com\/gardencenter\/january-lawn-and-garden-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"January Lawn and Garden Tips 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

A warm La Nina Winter and its impacts are the focus of our January Lawn and Garden Tips for Northeast Florida. While January is typically the region’s coldest month a warm one has its drawbacks especially for plants.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Why Are Winter Temperatures Higher This Year?<\/strong>
La Nina is predicted by NOAA to be warmer and wetter than the average Winter for Northeast Florida. “Above-average temperatures are favored across the South and most of the eastern U.S. as La Nina climate conditions have emerged for the second Winter in a row according to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.<\/a> Drier-than-average conditions are favored in south-central Alaska, southern California, the Southwest, and the Southeast.”<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Credit NOAA<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n


Dramatic Fluctuations In Temperatures More Harmful Than Lows<\/strong>
Worse than the threat of freezing for many of our plants is the threat from extreme temperature fluctuations. “If the temperature falls steadily and plants have time to acclimate to the cold, they can adapt,” according to Sharon Yiesla<\/a>, plant knowledge specialist at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. “What usually does the damage is a quick weather change or a big difference between the temperature during the day and deeper cold at night.” Plants likewise deal with freezing temperatures better when dormant. The greatest diurnal temperature variation tends to occur in the desert for a reason. In case of cold damage, make sure the affected trees or shrubs have water and avoid fertilizing or pruning them until Spring, which best serves the healing process.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Warm Winter Brings Tree Pollen Early To Northeast Florida<\/strong>
That’s not Spring, but pollen in the air. A warm La Nina Winter in Northeast Florida results in trees releasing pollen early. “Across most of the country, trees don’t release their pollen until early spring,” according to Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida<\/a>. “But, thanks to our temperate climate here in North Florida, local trees usually start producing an abundance of pollen starting in February (and sometimes as early as December).” In 2021 Jacksonville ranked 30th worst city for Spring allergies by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.<\/a> Pollen allergy symptoms include itchy throat, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and headaches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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January Plant Pruning For Northeast Florida<\/strong>
January is the appropriate time in Northeast Florida to prune roses and deciduous plants, including crape myrtles, pears, and plums. Even Double Knock Out roses that bloom every 5-6 weeks from Spring to Frost should be pruned once a year around this time of year through early Spring. Evergreens, in general, can be pruned any time of year. Prune your azaleas after they bloom, which can vary widely depending on the variety. “Bloom times are divided into three flowering groups of early, mid, and late or fall flowering varieties,” wrote Lorna King for Garden’s Path<\/a>. “The early group starts to flower in late Winter to early Spring, roughly from February to April. Midseason is comprised of late Spring and early summer, or May and June. And the late or fall group flowers from midsummer and into fall, or mid-July to October.” Reblooming azaleas should be pruned after the Spring bloom only. If pruned after the Fall blooms, that could stimulate growth put at risk by Winter cold.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Planting Choices for January
<\/strong>Annuals are an obvious choice for colorful plantings outdoors in Winter. Pansies<\/a>, petunias<\/a>, snapdragons<\/a>, violas<\/a>, and dusty millers<\/a> are popular. Camellias<\/a>, the Queens of Winter with many currently blooming cultivars, is a great planting choice. Houseplant enthusiasts have a cornucopia of choices for adding to their collection in Winter, even though dealing with lower light, humidity, and temperature. Cooler months are prime time for planting large shade trees, fruit trees, and palms. Visit the Earth Works Garden Center and speak with a garden guide about the care of your specific plant choices.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Prep Soil In Winter For Beautiful Spring Turf<\/strong>
Prepare early for a beautiful Spring lawn with AERATION & TOP DRESSING. Our naturally sandy soil requires nutrient replenishment for your best Spring & Summer lawn. Proper care of your lawn during dormancy will make for a healthy, vigorously growing lawn turf that holds up best to pests and pathogens.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

A combination of twice per week rain events or waterings continues to be our recommendation in January. Keep an eye out to see if El Nina provides the necessary precipitation or supplement when necessary. Earth Works Lawn Care can visit to provide you an estimate for AERATION & TOP DRESSING, lawn service, including lawn pest & fertilization spraying quotes, are available for free online.<\/p>\r\n