{"id":1851,"date":"2015-12-12T04:43:19","date_gmt":"2015-12-12T04:43:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ongardening.com\/?p=1851"},"modified":"2015-12-12T04:55:57","modified_gmt":"2015-12-12T04:55:57","slug":"dormant-season-projects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ongardening.com\/?p=1851","title":{"rendered":"Dormant Season Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"

The dormant season does not have an official beginning to mark on a calendar, but depends on a combination of factors, beginning with the individual plant\u2019s biological clock, with which the plant responds to day-lengths.<\/p>\n

Another important environmental factor is temperature: lower temperatures trigger dormancy, and higher temperatures can stimulate growth. Climate change has modified the annual cycles and geographic distribution of many plants, and will continue such changes. Phenology\u00a0is the study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events<\/p>\n

Rather than delving into the science of dormancy, let\u2019s consider seasonal projects for the gardener. There are many priorities to schedule over the next few months.<\/p>\n

Pruning<\/p>\n

As the leaves fall, and the \u201cbones\u201d of your trees and shrubs are exposed, look for ways to improve them through pruning. In general, use sharp tools, begin by removing branches that are broken or diseased, and don\u2019t remove more than one-third of the canopy in one year. As is often true in gardening, there are exceptions: for some shrubs, severe or renewal pruning is appropriate. Extensive pruning of roses, for example, stimulates new growth and abundant blossoms. Several other multi-branched shrubs, e.g., salvias, can be cut to their primary structure or to near the ground before spring growth emerges.<\/p>\n

Many gardeners are hesitant about pruning, concerned that they could hurt their plants. Pruning can be done badly so a little time with a pruning book would be instructive. The positive perspective is that pruning improves a plant\u2019s form and stimulates new growth.<\/p>\n

\"pruning

Pruning during the dormant season<\/p><\/div>\n

The photo is from the University of California publication,\u00a0Pruning Small Trees and Shrubs<\/a>, which is available free online.<\/p>\n

A good approach includes observing pruning\u2019s effects during the early spring.<\/p>\n

Other Projects <\/strong><\/p>\n