Gardeners Checklist: Here Is What to Do on the Week of Dec. 2

By Ron Kujawski

* Consider a miniature cactus garden as a Christmas present for those who have a knack for killing houseplants. A wide, shallow clay pot filled with a mix of equal parts sand and potting soil can hold several small cacti. The advantage of a miniature cactus garden is that it can take a lot of neglect, something that many of us can willingly provide.

* Make sure that the lights used for outdoor holiday decorations are labeled for outdoor use. These are designed to be safe in wet weather. In addition, it would be wise to wrap a sheet of plastic around extension cord connections to keep out moisture.

* Buy only those poinsettias whose bracts have developed their full color. Avoid those whose bracts are part green. Bracts are the colorful part of the poinsettia plant. The leaves on the rest of the plant should be lush green. Avoid plants with pale or yellowing leaves. Place the plants that you do buy near a sunny window and keep the soil evenly moist. Never place poinsettias near heat sources or in drafty locations. This can cause premature leaf drop.

* Repeat insecticidal soap application if plants were sprayed earlier for spider mites or other house plants pests. One spray does not usually eliminate the pest. Repeat applications at weekly intervals until there are no signs of the pests. As with any pesticide, read and follow label directions.

* Select Fraser fir, balsam fir, Canaan fir, concolor fir, or Douglas fir for a Christmas tree with soft needles, good needle retention and fragrance.

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You would think that as winter approaches, the deer tick population would be in decline. Yet, my wife and I, along with our dog, have picked up more ticks now than during the summer. Part of the reason may be that we have been spending much time raking and hauling fallen leaves, and our dog has spent too much time sticking her nose into piles of leaves. Leaf litter is a favorite hiding place for deer ticks. Another reason for the large deer tick population may be related to increased populations of mice.

According to Dr. Richard S. Osterfeld, Senior Scientist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, N.Y., white-footed mice are common hosts for deer ticks. Osterfeld states that loss of natural habitat, i.e. forest lands, for foxes, hawks and other predators of mice is one cause for increased mouse populations. While the situation is much more complicated than can be explained here, the message is clear: Protect yourself when working outdoors. Apply tick repellent, such as DEET, and watch for mice invasions into your home.

Ron Kujawski began gardening at an early age on his family's onion farm in upstate New York. Although now retired, he spent most of his career teaching at the UMass Extension Service. He serves on Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Horticulture Advisory Committee. His book, Week-by-Week Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook, is available here.