Coastal and Tropical South
December, 2005
Regional Report
Root Jasmine
Take cuttings from night-blooming jasmine. Clip 4 to 6 inches off a stem that has flowered and grown one new set of leaves. Pull the leaves off the lower 2 inches and put the cutting in water with a little fertilizer in it. Be patient; it will root in about a month.
Take Steps to Remedy Yellowing Gardenias
If your gardenia's lower leaves are turning yellow, it could indicate a need for fertilizer, but it can also direct you to other problems. Gardenias thrive in soil that drains well but that's also is rich in organic matter. Try improving the planting space with additions of organic matter, or dig up the plant, amend the soil, and replant.
Keep Cut Greens From Drying Out
Make a new cut on that Christmas tree's trunk to keep its water pipes open and to get plenty of branches for decorating. Make a fresh cut on all fresh greens, wrap the stems with green florist tape, and spray an antidessicant (such as Cloud Cover) to prevent drying out.
Rejuvenate the Lawn
If you've overseeded with rye but still have bare spots, reseed now. Once the ryegrass reaches 3 to 4 inches, mow half of it off and toss the blades in the compost pile. If the lawn looks pale, a light application of fertilizer can help green it up.
Start Amaryllis
Get that gift amaryllis out of the box right now and get it growing! Pot it up, water it once, and put it in a place that is well lit, but not hot. Once the bulb sprouts, turn it daily so the stem grows straight up, not towards the window.
