VOLUME 15, ISSUE 3 • January 17, 2019

Neil Sperry editor. Gretchen Drew design and circulation.

Thursday evening means it’s e-gardens time. I prepared this one thinking this weekend was going to be really cold, but the forecasts now don’t look quite as foreboding. I had to write things yesterday, as I had appointments scheduled today. Keep that shift in mind as you read what I’ve written.

Tasks before it turns cold…
• Disconnect all hoses and drain them.
• Cover exposed faucets.
• Be sure sprinklers won't run when it's freezing.
• Put hose-end sprinklers in the garage.
• Move potted winter annuals into protection.

Having done those tasks, you're ready to read.

In e-gardens this week…
• Getting ready for the cold;
• Chilling requirements explained;
• Gardening tasks for this week;
• Using glyphosates in winter; and
• One of Steven Chamblee's best-ever collections.

Need a book? I'm ready to sign one!
I've told you about it here a good bit recently. People say that it's the best work I've ever turned out, but you won't find it in stores or on Amazon. Check it out on my website, because that's where you'll need to order it. Or call my office weekdays (800) 752-4769. It's only $33.95 plus tax and postage. (My signature is free - just what it's worth!)

Photo: Iceland poppies brighten our springs.

Gardening This Weekend

With a strong cold front arriving soon let's take a look at things you need to do tomorrow and once the weather moderates once again next week.

Photo: Iceland poppies cheer up the late winter landscape.

Native Son's Insights

Steven Chamblee sees our world from a completely different perspective than do we mere mortals. You're going to love this month's musings!

Photo: Our buddy, Steven Chamblee.

Getting Ready for the Cold

It sounds like forecasts aren't quite as scary as they were two days ago, but I took precautions anyway to protect several beds at our house.

Photo: Cast iron plants don't handle cold well.

Question of the Week: January 17, 2019

"Can I use Roundup on my dormant lawn to kill weeds right now?"

This question really makes me nervous. I'll tell you why.

Photo: Dallisgrass in the winter lawn.

Chilling Requirements of Fruit Trees

Ever hear that term? It's an important one when it comes to selecting the best types of fruit crops for your area. I'll do my best to explain it.

Photo: Chilling hours critical in choosing peaches.

And, in closing…

That's it for another e-gardens, but just as warmer weather will follow this weekend's big chill, so will we! I'll be back with another edition same time and same e-mailbox next week.

In the meantime, take care of your plants, pets, wild birds and animals - and you and your family! I'll look for you on the radio, on my Facebook page, where I hang out with my podcasts, on my website, at the burger joint and at church.

Until then, thanks for reading.

And happy gardening!

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