The Vegas Voice 12-20

Protecting Against Cold Spells
By: Howard Galin / Happy Gardening
As we enter the winter months, be aware that
there can be brief but intense cold spells.
You should take preventative measures to protect
your landscape as well as preparing it for the Spring growing season.
You should check all irrigation tubing to make sure that it is buried
at least two feet below the ground so that it does not freeze and split.
Open up the underground irrigation box and look for leaks.
Place insolated fitted “mitten” covers over exposed irrigation valves.
These pipes, if frozen, can burst leading to water loss as well as costly
repairs.
Make sure to cover all hose spigots to prevent bursting. Drain any
fountains or ponds to protect from freeze damage as well.
Now is a good time to replenish rock and organic mulch. This will
protect soil, roots and underground irrigation systems from freezing.
You should complete any remaining leaf or rubbish removal from
your landscape to prevent plant damage. This will also discourage
rodents and rabbits from building nests.
Finish up any remaining pruning on deciduous and cold-hardy
plants. Lantanas can be pruned to ground level, while roses should
have about 1/3 of their top and side branches pruned.
Jasmine, Hawthornes, Texas Rangers and bushes that flower
throughout next year’s growing season should be appropriately pruned
as well. Dormant fruit trees should be pruned so that small branches are
removed allowing
sunlight and air to
circulate through
the trees during the
growing season.
Refrain from
pruning Palm
Trees! Their fronds
protect them from
frost and wind damage.
There are certain plants that should not receive any irrigation
during winter months. These include succulents, as well as Mesquite
and Joshua trees.
Cold sensitive plants, such as warm weather cactus, should be
wrapped with burlap. Young and smaller plants can be protected by
putting Styrofoam cups over their tops.
Potted plants should be taken inside or placed close together. Ideally
they should be facing south, as close to the house as possible to take
advantage of the sunlight and reflected heat from the exterior walls of
your home.
Have a question? Contact me at: Theplantwhisperer28@gmail.com.
Howard Galin, a/k/a: “The Plant Whisperer” is a retired NYC
school administrator, transplanted in Las Vegas who devotes his
time to communicating with and lecturing about our native
plants.
35