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A New Gardening Year
By: Howard Galin / Happy Gardening
January marks the commencement of a new
gardening year.
2023 had long periods of excessively high
temperatures and extended drought periods followed by short
“damaging bursts” of torrential rainfall leading to flash flooding.
This intense weather pattern led to large numbers of
plants, (even natives!) to suffer and die!
In addition to plants, soil is also affected by heat,
drought and flooding. High pH levels from alkali salt
buildup can cause plant root systems to stop their
absorption of needed nutrients such as nitrogen,
phosphorous, potassium, and iron.
This leads to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves,
diminished flowering and increased vulnerability to insect and
disease damage. In order to prevent harm to your landscapes, there
are a number of preventative steps that you can take now before the
growing season begins.
To lower pH levels, apply sulfur into the soil. This can be done now
so that in springtime, plant fertilizers will be properly absorbed via the
plants’ root systems.
If you lost plants last season due to weather-related issues; replace
them with heat/ drought tolerant native plants. Gardening centers
designate which plants address your needs.
You can modify your irrigation by both adding and repositioning
drip emitters so that they are located near “active roots” where water
can be absorbed. As your landscape plants grow, their roots spread
further from stems and trunks.
In addition, you can diminish evaporation in the soil and keep
ground temperatures lower in summer by replacing rock mulch with
wood chips or compost.
During last year’s growing season, did the plants’
leaves look yellowish with green veins running
through them? This can be caused by iron-deficiency
(Chlorosis) which can be caused by poor iron
absorption.
Apply chelated iron directly into the soil and water
thoroughly. Apply now through June.
If, however, the condition appears during July-August, a special
“spray-type” iron should be used directly on the leaves. Applying iron,
when needed, will accelerate photosynthesis and improve plant color
and health! Finally, complete all pruning before any buddings mark
the beginning of the new growing season.
Have a gardening question? Contact me at: Theplantwhisperer28@
gmail.com
Howard Galin is a University of Nevada certified Master
Gardener who lectures on, and writes about native plants and
desert landscaping
30
January 2024