Happy New Year to Everyone,
I am located in Columbus, Ohio and we are experiencing very unusual warm weather temperatures this year. It has been like spring and I'm very concerned about the bulbs and shrubs that were newly planted. From what I understand, the ground underneath needs to get to a certain low temperature for some plants, shrubs and trees to develop healthy roots. Please advise. Also, any recommendations on soil testing kits. I'm new at this. Thanks in advance.
Unusual Weather Conditions
Telmita
Jan 05, 2007
Being fairly new to gardening myself, I don't have any advice for you, but perhaps someone else here on this forum will. I'm in a warmer zone (9b), so can't help you with advice for your bulbs or new cold zone plants. The bulbs may stay dormant this year and come up next winter. I don't know. Hopefully, your shrubs and trees will be fine. :-)
It is true that bulbs need a cooling period to bloom. I've not heard of trees and shrubs needing the cold weather in order to insure healthy roots. The most important thing to do is to water. If you don't have snow and aren't getting sufficient rain, then you need to water those plants, just like you would in the summer.
I agree with terryr. The bulbs might need the chill but trees and shrubs will start growing immediately.
I forgot something. If you by chance have root stimulator....mine is by Fertilome, you can use that as long as the ground isn't frozen. Don't use a fertilizer, use a root stimulator. Do it now and then again in early spring or late winter.
terryr that is a very good idea. I agree with everyone's suggestions. Y'all know your stuff!
You came to the right place, Telmita!
Hi, telmita--welcome to Dave's Garden! Good to have another Ohio gardener posting and I can't wait to hear about your butterfly and hummers in the springtime!
You probably don't have a lot to worry about with your bulbs and shrubs. They will do OK. (I did as terryr suggested a few weeks ago and watered when everything seemed so dry and of course the next day we did get a nice rain.) The posters on the bulb forum, too--- http://davesgarden.com/forums/f/bulbs/all/ are worried about the warm weather too so don't forget to post your worries there ----They would love to comiserate!
While I'm at it I'll post a plug for the Ohio River Valley forum http://davesgarden.com/forums/f/region_orv/all/
for some good info on our region's garden culture.