Enjoying Winter in the Spring-Like Greenhouse
Lee County Master Gardeners opened the greenhouse in late October. The greenhouse was organized and cleaned from the previous growing season. Containers were washed and sanitized with bleach, plants were treated with fungicide and insecticide, and a drench was added to the potting soil. During winter, cuttings and propagation help establish the plants that Master Gardeners have nurtured and enjoyed. These plants will form the foundation of those included in the Spring Plant Sale.
Lee County Master Gardeners opened the greenhouse in late October. The greenhouse was organized and cleaned from the previous growing season. Containers were washed and sanitized with bleach, plants were treated with fungicide and insecticide, and a drench was added to the potting soil. During winter, cuttings and propagation help establish the plants that Master Gardeners have nurtured and enjoyed. These plants will form the foundation of those included in the Spring Plant Sale.
Warm February Days
Lee County Master Gardeners took advantage of the pleasant weather in mid-February to tackle some early garden work at the Spring Street and Extension Grounds/Native Plant Garden projects. They cleaned beds and grounds, gathered mulch, pruned, and added soil and amendments. This early start to the spring work will make the gardens look even better in later spring. Any good weather days this time of year are a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the gardens.
Lee County Master Gardeners took advantage of the pleasant weather in mid-February to tackle some early garden work at the Spring Street and Extension Grounds/Native Plant Garden projects. They cleaned beds and grounds, gathered mulch, pruned, and added soil and amendments. This early start to the spring work will make the gardens look even better in later spring. Any good weather days this time of year are a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the gardens.
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Tips for Pruning Roses
By Ms. Mary Michaela Parker
MSU Extension Service
If you have rose bushes in your landscape, now is the time for pruning! Heavy pruning needs to be done from mid-February to mid-March while the plants are still dormant.
Pruning is not a difficult task to do and there are many benefits to an annual prune. It helps shape the bush, remove dead canes, open the center for airflow, and encourage new growth.
Make sure you have the proper equipment to get started. We recommend pruning with a handheld pruner and a long lopper. It’s also a smart idea to have gloves handy to protect you from thorns.
When figuring out where to begin, it’s best to start with the dead, diseased, and broken limbs. If you notice a cane is broken or damaged, make these cuts close to the base of the plant. You’ll also want to thin the plant to be 3-5 strong canes. Canes that are growing horizontally or crossing other canes can be removed. The goal here is to open the center of the plant up!
If there are already new buds on the cane, cut ¼ inch above the outward-facing buds. Make your cuts pointing away from the center of the plant. This simple step helps improve air circulation and reduce disease. When you finish, be sure to discard your cuttings.
That’s all there is to pruning roses! There aren’t many complicated tasks when tackling this chore. When your roses bloom, you’ll be glad you did it!
Looking for a great resource to rely on to help make your roses thrive? MSU Extension Publication 2835, “Roses in Mississippi,” is a great tool that tells you everything you need to succeed!
By Ms. Mary Michaela Parker
MSU Extension Service
If you have rose bushes in your landscape, now is the time for pruning! Heavy pruning needs to be done from mid-February to mid-March while the plants are still dormant.
Pruning is not a difficult task to do and there are many benefits to an annual prune. It helps shape the bush, remove dead canes, open the center for airflow, and encourage new growth.
Make sure you have the proper equipment to get started. We recommend pruning with a handheld pruner and a long lopper. It’s also a smart idea to have gloves handy to protect you from thorns.
When figuring out where to begin, it’s best to start with the dead, diseased, and broken limbs. If you notice a cane is broken or damaged, make these cuts close to the base of the plant. You’ll also want to thin the plant to be 3-5 strong canes. Canes that are growing horizontally or crossing other canes can be removed. The goal here is to open the center of the plant up!
If there are already new buds on the cane, cut ¼ inch above the outward-facing buds. Make your cuts pointing away from the center of the plant. This simple step helps improve air circulation and reduce disease. When you finish, be sure to discard your cuttings.
That’s all there is to pruning roses! There aren’t many complicated tasks when tackling this chore. When your roses bloom, you’ll be glad you did it!
Looking for a great resource to rely on to help make your roses thrive? MSU Extension Publication 2835, “Roses in Mississippi,” is a great tool that tells you everything you need to succeed!
Lee County Master Gardener Projects
The Lee County Master Gardeners lead and participate in many projects that help to promote gardening and serve as beautification to areas in Lee County. The projects provide a way to engage the public in gardening activities and to share current ideas and develop new ideas. Please use the Master Gardener Project button to explore and learn how the Lee County Master Gardeners contribute their time and love of gardening with the community. |
Mississippi State University Extension Service Publications
The Extension Service has many publications which provide information on a wide variety of topics. Click on the button to go to the publication website |
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Mississippi Vegetable Gardener's Guide
MSU Extension Publication Number: P3616
View as PDF: P3616.pdf
Variety Recommendations for Mississippi Vegetable Gardens
MSU Extension Publication Number P3744
View as PDF: P3744.pdf
There are many good reasons for growing a vegetable garden in Mississippi.
MSU Extension Publication Number: P3616
View as PDF: P3616.pdf
Variety Recommendations for Mississippi Vegetable Gardens
MSU Extension Publication Number P3744
View as PDF: P3744.pdf
There are many good reasons for growing a vegetable garden in Mississippi.
- A garden offers the opportunity to enjoy vegetables at their freshest. Sometimes only minutes elapse between harvest, preparation, and eating. Most fresh vegetables available at the grocery store travel about 1,800 miles between producer and consumer, and this travel often occurs over a period of several days. There’s a lot to be said for “homegrown” freshness.
- In recent years many people are growing vegetables to save money on their grocery bill.
- A garden can be a wonderful place for children. They provide opportunities for play, learning, and for having fun.
Magnolia Botanical Gardens
Verona Research and Extension Center Magnolia Botanical Gardens serves as a demonstration and educational resource for green industry professionals and consumers. There are many ornamental plants in the botanical gardens including Mississippi Medallion plants. Many plants are labeled for identification. The public is invited to view these gardens to see plants they may want to include in their landscape. Magnolia Botanical Gardens is located at the Verona Research and Extension Center, south of Verona, MS on Hwy 145. |
Location:
MSU Lee County Extension Office
5338 Cliff Gookin Blvd.; Tupelo, MS 38801
MSU Lee County Extension Office
5338 Cliff Gookin Blvd.; Tupelo, MS 38801