Winter Gardening Tips From Barrels & Branches

Winter is upon us! While it may get a little chilly, we are lucky in Southern California to have mild temperatures and lots of sun. No waiting for the snow to melt to get out and enjoy our gardens! Some things to keep in mind during these months include:

• Clean Up! Yes, it's time to "spring clean" the garden...finish up autumn projects, thin, head and prune trees, shrubs and perennials. Prepare beds, weed and subdivide. Want some help getting it done? Drop in or call and we'll be glad to schedule a quick and easy clean up so you can start enjoying your 2012 garden!
• Improve Soil Quality. Get your garden growing right from the ground up-and at 20% off during our winter sale! Whether you need to mulch, top-dress or fertilize we have a wide variety of organic soil products to keep your plants happy and helpful advice if you're not sure what you need. In addition we are offering a free soil product clinic on March 10 to share the benefits of everything from worm castings to mycorrhiza. Sign up now at www.barrelsandbranches.com!
• Check Irrigation. As water needs change seasonally, it's a good idea to reduce water application in the winter when rains begin and temperatures drop. January can be surprisingly dry however, so be aware of climate conditions, such as Santa Anas, with higher winds and elevated temperatures. Less frequent, deep watering during these weeks is recommended for established plantings.
• Feed Winter Blooming Plants. Winter bloomers appreciate attention in January and February during their bloom cycle. For azaleas, camellia and gardenias we recommend EB Stone's organic blend. If they are looking a bit faded in color, water in a solution of chelated iron as cold temperatures can "lock up" iron.
• First Frost. It can get frosty in winter, even in our coastal climate, so if it looks like nightly temperatures might dip into the 30s be sure to place barriers over sensitive plants such as succulents and tropicals. Whether a sheet of brown paper, plastic sheeting or a bed sheet, a simple drape with well-placed stakes will protect your prize garden feature from getting frost burn!
• Get Inspired! Winter is a great time to be inspired by new ideas...so take a class and widen your palette of skills while enjoying yourself! Our winter schedule is packed with great offerings and we hope you will join us. Bring your friends along and double the fun! For more details and to sign up, visit us at www.barrelsandbranches.com .
• Sow Seeds! There is still time to plant cool season crops-and we have a wide selection of organic herbs, veggies and edible flowers to plant and enjoy. Delish! Can't wait for seeds to sprout? Join our Herb Container for the Urban Farmer class on April 14 and enjoy the harvest a little earlier.
• Get More Antioxidants. We've just received a shipment of delicious Blueberry bushes! Come in and discover these beautiful and useful additions in many varieties. We also have a good selection of citrus! Lemon-blueberry scones anyone?
• Freshen Up Pots. Time to tidy up containers and add something fresh that likes the cooler season. Frilly ornamental cabbage, cyclamen, snapdragons, pansies a plenty, we've got lots of pretty things to add fresh from the grower. Want some help with those pots? Drop them off and we will refresh them for you!

Call us today at (760) 753-2852 for more info!