Gardeners Checklist: Here Is What to Do on the Week of Jan. 6

By Ron Kujawski

* Include annuals suited for cut flowers when compiling your seed list for this year’s garden. Some varieties to consider are annual asters of the Bonita series, Tower Green and Tower Red Amaranthus, Everest Blue Ageratum, Gomphrena in the Audray series, and snapdragon in the Chantilly series. Series simply refers to a grouping of varieties within a plant species and with similar characteristics. 

* Buy a propagation mat to use for germinating seeds or rooting cuttings. A propagation mat is a flexible rubber mat with embedded heating coils. I find the mat easier to use and longer-lasting than regular heating coils. I roll out my mat on a table in the basement and place seeded flats and pots right on the mat. Mats typically come with a temperature sensor and thermostat that allows for precise temperature control.

* Keep potted cyclamens in a cool but brightly lighted location in the house. When watering cyclamen, avoid getting water into the crown of the plant since this can cause rotting. Play it safe. Water cyclamen by placing each pot in a pan of water until the soil is saturated.

* Use a damp, soft cloth to wipe dust from large leaf plants such as rubber plants, corn plants (Dracaena), and philodendrons. Do this about every two weeks. Dust and grime on leaves interfere with plant functions and can cause plants to drop their leaves or even die.

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“Peer-reviewed research has documented people’s ability to concentrate in their work environment when it is enhanced by the presence of plants and flowers. Children learn faster and are less distracted in plant-filled environs as well, and plants have even been documented to reduce stress levels and hypertension, and ease the effects of attention deficit disorder.”

This quote was taken from an article written by Dr. Charles R. Hall, Dept. of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University (Greenhouse Management, September 2011, vol. 31 No. 9). Dr. Hall’s comments brought back memories of when I was in graduate school. When I felt overwhelmed by my studies and the pressure of exams, I found that a regular stroll among the plants in one of the university greenhouses to be a great tension reliever. It occurs to me that I still react the same today in response to stresses related to bill paying, holidays, and hostile weather. When anxiety is at its worst, I start spending time with my plants. They’re good listeners but not good at offering advice. I know that I am preaching to the choir since most people who garden already know the physical and emotional health benefits of hanging out with plants. However, if you know of some folks who could use a little therapy to deal with daily tensions, a gift of a plant or two may result in a miracle cure for what ails them. 

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.