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That's the real winter, January. Long cold nights, icy wind, mountains of white snow. Unfortunately, such a landscape can be seen outside the window not always. Much depends on the climate zone in which we live. In the northern part of Russia frosts are always stronger and more snow, and in the southern part - rains more often. Residents of Ukraine this year and did not have time to freeze, but with trepidation expect January frosts.
According to observations of scientists, January is the month when garden trees and shrubs are in full winter rest. During this period they are gaining strength to bear fruit again. Therefore, summer residents do not relax in January and diligently take care of the sleeping garden.
Protective constructions from winter cold
People who live in the northern regions, where the gardens are frozen under a thick layer of snow, are diligently continuing to take care of them. Every time a new portion of snow falls, true gardeners, they trample it in the roots of young seedlings. In addition, they inspect the thin shoots of trees, making them snow so they do not break.
In the area where January is a fairly mild month, the garden works practically do not stop. These include:
- structures for snow retention;
- loosening of dry land;
- An additional shelter for bushes and young seedlings.
Since there is little snow in such regions, plants need additional warming facilities. They are made from lapnik, dry leaves or branches. In case of sudden snowfalls, artificial snow holders are installed in the garden - special shields.In addition, in the open areas of the garden lay out brushwood and compact the alleys, directing them across the wind. Such training will ensure the retention of the snow cover and warming of the plants.
Even if it seems that the snow is not expected, such facilities should be prepared. Because of global warming, the climate has become volatile and unpredictable. It's better to be always ready for surprises, than to solve big problems later.
Beware - hungry rodents!
Wherever we live, in the southern latitudes or in Siberia, in January the garden is visited by uninvited guests. Lovely, furry creatures called hares. That they do not damage the bark of fruit trees, it is necessary to equip the protective "armor". If this is not done, the animals can peel the bark in a circle from the trunk of a tree or shrub up to 1 meter high.
In an area where snow rarely falls, it is fairly easy to determine regular visits to hares. It is noticeable on such grounds:
- young stems of perennial plants are eaten under the root;
- destroyed the bark on fruit trees and shrubs;
- In the front gardens and on the lawns there are traces of excavated holes.
On the territory where the snow cover lies until the very spring, in addition to these signs, traces of fluffy animals are clearly visible. If rodents are often crouching on a garden plot, plants are advised to make fences.To do this, you can use a metal grid with a height of up to 130 cm.
The enclosure should be dug into the ground for 30 cm and set it at an angle to the garden. Such a technology will not allow hares to undermine and penetrate the forbidden zone for them.
Around the seedlings, a wire fence is also installed, but without deepening into the ground. The height of the building is 100 cm. In addition, the trunks are coated with a special mixture consisting of mullein, clay and carbolic acid. Such "not tasty" protection will scare down furry rodents from the garden, and they, perhaps, will forget the road here.
Some holidaymakers to scare away the hares, wrap the trunk with a metal net with bells. These "garlands" effectively drive away the fluffy animals from fruit trees.
With a softer winter, in January, you can do a survey of sleeping trees. If empty nests are found on them, cocoons or a frozen web should be carefully removed. After that, the "trophy" is better burned in the fire, so as not to leave any chance to the pests of the garden. Such a procedure will reduce the multiplication of harmful insects that will wake up in the early spring.
The right time for ideas
When the earth rests under the snow and on the street is the middle of winter, it's time for the grower to think about the forthcoming harvest. Sitting by the fireplace, under the pleasant crash of burning firewood, one can plot. On a blank sheet of paper it would be nice to sketch out the scheme of the homestead territory to think about where to plant something. Plan your time and planting time so you will not miss anything. Think about the acquisition of new varieties of fruit trees or ornamental shrubs.
Due to precise planning it is much easier to navigate amongst your own plantations. And when spring comes, everything will be under control. Therefore, cherishing precious time, you should not lose it when the window is outside the window.
