​The Purdue Yard and Garden Calendar​ for January has provided some tips on how to care for your plants as a bitter cold winter sweeps upon us.

HOME
Keep plants near a bright window and hydrated. Increase humidity around houseplants by grouping plants together, placing them on a pebble-water tray or running a humidifier. Check stored produce and tender flower bulbs and roots for rot, shriveling or excess moisture. Remove and discard damaged material.

Repot houseplants as they outgrow current pots.​

YARD
Check young trees for rodent injury on lower trunks. Prevent injury with hardware cloth or protective collars.

Keep road and sidewalk salt away from plants. Construct a screen of burlap, if necessary, to keep salt spray off plants.​

GARDEN
Order seeds and plants as early as possible for best selection.

Wood ashes from the fireplace can be spread in the garden, but don’t overdo it. Wood ashes increase soil pH, and excess application can make some nutrients unavailable for plant uptake. Have soil tested to be certain of the pH before adding wood ash.

View all of the tips on the Purdue Yard and Garden Calendar page.

Resources
Winter Injury of Ornamentals, The Education Store
Steps To Ensure Your Plants Survive This Winter, Got Nature?
Winterize Your Trees, The Education Store

Purdue Yard and Garden Calendar