(http://www.clemson.edu/laurens)
Things to do:
Ponds · Pond Stocking – January is the last month to stock bream in a fishing pond. See Stocking & Harvesting Recreational Fish Ponds for more information.
· Pond Liming – January is also a good time to lime the pond bottom if necessary. See Liming Recreational Ponds for information on sampling the bottom and applying lime if needed.
Lawns and Gardens
· Soil Testing – If you have not taken a soil test in your lawn or vegetable garden, now is a great time. The soil test will measure the nutrients already in the soil and provide directions for how much fertilizer to apply and when to apply it based on the turfgrass or crop grown. If the soil pH is low the test will also call for a lime application. Lime takes 6 months or more to neutralize soil acidity, so now is a great time to apply lime if needed. Soil tests cost $6.00 – information and soil test bags and forms are available at your local Clemson Extension Office.
Trees
· Pruning – now is a great time to prune most trees and shrubs. However, do not prune azalea, dogwood, forsythia, redbud and rhododendron – they should be pruned after they bloom, since they set blooms in the fall. Almost anything that blooms after June 1 (except oakleaf hydrangea and late-flowering azalea cultivars) can be pruned safely now. See Pruning Trees and Pruning Shrubs for more information.
· Tree Planting – the winter months when trees are dormant are excellent times to plant. Be careful that you do not plant them too deep or with too much soil amendment. See Planting Trees Correctly for information on the proper way to plant a tree. All pamphlets referenced in this calendar may be found online: http://www.clemson.edu/hgic .
The Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
Author: Tracy Sanders
