Christmas cacti, or Schlumbergeras, are captivating plants that grace our homes with vibrant blooms during the winter season. These epiphytes, hailing from the rainforests of South America, add a touch of festive cheer with their delicate, arching stems adorned with colorful flowers. To ensure your Christmas cactus flourishes year after year, follow these simple yet effective care guidelines:

• Lighting: The Key to Radiant Blooms

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As the holiday season approaches, we eagerly anticipate the joy of decorating our homes with festive trees. But what if we could extend the life of these trees beyond the holiday season, transforming them into enduring symbols of sustainability and environmental consciousness? By carefully planting your Christmas tree after the holidays, you can create a living legacy that will beautify your landscape and provide a haven for wildlife for years to come.

Choosing the Right Tree

Everyone wants the Evergreen Tree, which looks like a “Christmas Tree, " the Colorado Spruce. However, other options do well in our landscape, such as Alberta Spruce, Baby Blue Spruce, Austrian Pine, or Vanderwolf Pine.

Preparing for Planting

Once you've selected your tree, start preparing it for its transition outdoors. After removing all decorations, gradually acclimatize the tree to outdoor temperatures by placing it in a sheltered location, such as a garage or porch, for a few days before planting.

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As your houseplants grow and flourish, their root systems expand, often outgrowing their current pots. This is when it's time to give your leafy companions a new home – a process known as repotting. Repotting provides plants the space they need to continue growing and refreshes the soil, replenishing essential nutrients that fuel their growth.

Determining Repotting Needs

Here are a few telltale signs that indicate your plant is ready for a new pot:

1. Roots Crowding: If you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes or circling the root ball, it's a clear sign that your plant needs more space.

Choosing the Right Pot

When selecting a new pot for your plant, choose one slightly larger than the current one. A pot that is too large can lead to overwatering and root rot.

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Black leaves on vegetable plants can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Frost damage: When temperatures drop below freezing, the cell walls of plant leaves can rupture, causing them to turn black.

If you see black leaves on your vegetable plants, it is essential to identify the cause of the problem so that you can take appropriate action. If the problem is caused by frost damage, there is not much you can do to save the affected leaves. However, you can protect your plants from future frost damage by covering them with frost cloth or by bringing them indoors. If a fungal or bacterial disease causes the problem, you may need to use a fungicide or bactericide to treat the plants. If insect pests cause the problem, you may need to use an insecticide to control the pests. If the problem is caused by a nutrient deficiency, you can apply the appropriate fertilizer to the plants.

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Pruning flowering shrubs is vital for their health and blooming. The timing largely depends on their blooming cycle.

• Spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs should be pruned immediately after flowering in late spring or early summer. This is because they bloom on old wood, and pruning them soon after flowering allows them to set buds for the following year.

Each species may have specific needs. Stop by Watters Garden Center or consult www.WattersGardenCenter.com for more information.

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Pine trees turning brown and losing needles can be attributed to various factors. Common causes include natural needle aging, with older needles naturally turning brown and dropping off while new ones grow to replace them. Environmental stressors like drought and disease can also contribute to needle browning. It's important to note that some needle shedding is a normal part of a pine tree's life cycle. Regular tree inspection can help differentiate between normal shedding and issues that require attention. Proper care, including watering, mulching, and pest control, can help prevent excessive needle loss and maintain tree health.

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The Ultimate Guide to High Altitude Gardening in Arizona's Mountainous Terrain

In this latest episode, Ken and Lisa delve into an extensive array of gardening topics tailored to Arizona's elevated landscapes. Whether you're a novice in gardening or a seasoned veteran, The Mountain Gardener Podcast caters to all skill levels.

Included in this week’s episode:

• What do Yellow Leaves Mean in Autumn?

As always there will be Q&A with Ken and Lisa as they answer listener questions about gardening in Arizona's high country.

Ken and Lisa's enthusiasm for gardening is contagious, and their wealth of knowledge is an indispensable resource.

Make sure not to pass up this opportunity to enrich your gardening skills by subscribing to The Mountain Gardener Podcast today, available on all major podcast platforms!

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Even though your plants may be dormant during the winter, they still need water to survive. Here are a few tips on how to irrigate your plants through the winter:

• Water deeply, but less often. Dormant plants don't need as much water as they do during the growing season, but it's important to water them deeply when you do. This will help to prevent the roots from drying out.

Here are some additional tips:

• Be aware of your local weather conditions. If you live in a cold climate with little snow, you may need to water your plants more often.

Following these tips will help to ensure that your plants get the water they need to survive the winter.

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Some plants are naturally resistant to deer and rabbits.

Here are a few examples:

• Perennials: lavender, rosemary, sage, thyme, yarrow, coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and ornamental grasses

Deer & Rabbit Repellents

There are also a number of deer and rabbit repellents available. Some popular options available at the Garden Center include:

• Watters Animal Stopper is available in both spray and granular form and is Safe, Effective & Weatherproof. It has a Pleasant Cinnamon, Mint & Rosemary Smell animals hate! Safe for flowers and shrubs, but should not be used on Vegetables

Tips for Using Deer & Rabbit Repellents

• Apply repellents according to the directions on the label.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can help to protect your plants from deer and rabbits.

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Evergreen trees can add year-round beauty and interest to your landscape, even in the winter when other trees have lost their leaves. Here are a few of the best evergreen trees for winter interest:

• Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens 'Glauca'): This iconic tree is known for its silvery-blue needles and pyramidal shape. It is a popular choice for windbreaks and privacy screens, and it is also tolerant of cold weather and poor soil.

When choosing evergreen trees for your landscape, be sure to consider the size and shape of the tree, as well as its cold hardiness and soil requirements. With a little planning, you can enjoy beautiful evergreen trees in your landscape all year long.

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