As winter continues, gardeners are encouraged to focus on a variety of tasks that promise fruitful results. This week presents an opportunity to tend to both citrus fruits and hardy vegetables, ensuring a thriving garden as the season progresses.
Citrus Harvesting and Care
Many citrus varieties, including the cocktail grapefruit, are reaching their peak ripeness during the winter months. This delightful hybrid, a cross between a mandarin and a pomelo, is often referred to as mandelo. While the fruit resembles a grapefruit, it offers a much sweeter flavor profile. Although juicy, it is laden with seeds, making it more practical to squeeze for juice rather than eat directly. Other citrus fruits ready for harvest include Satsuma and Kisha mandarins, as well as navel oranges, notably the red-fleshed Cara Cara variety.
To enhance the sweetness of citrus, it is advisable to leave the fruit on the tree as long as possible. Once harvested, citrus should be stored in the refrigerator immediately to maintain freshness.
Vegetable and Herb Updates
Gardeners can also begin harvesting Jerusalem artichokes, commonly known as sunchokes. These tubers, which can be planted at any time, are not related to artichokes nor do they originate from Jerusalem. Instead, they are a type of sunflower (Helianthus tuberosus) native to the United States, thriving from the Great Lakes down to the southern regions. The plant is known for producing an impressive yield of over 200 tubers in a single growing season. These tubers can be prepared in various ways: fried, mashed, boiled, roasted, or even eaten raw.
In addition, parsley stands out as one of the hardiest leafy herbs, able to withstand temperatures down to 10 degrees Celsius. Celery, which was planted last spring, continues to produce stalks, showcasing its resilience. Other cold-hardy plants include onions, garlic, and chives, all of which thrive during the winter months in Southern California. Furthermore, certain leafy greens like kale and Swiss chard can become sweeter as temperatures drop.
Ornamental Plants in Bloom
The Grevillea genus, a staple among Australian natives, is currently in full bloom. The woolly grevillea (Grevillea lanigera) is particularly noteworthy for its unique foliage, which can take on a gray hue due to the presence of foliar hairs. These hairs provide insulation against heat, allowing the plant to endure extended periods without water. While it can grow into a six-foot shrub, the Prostrata variety remains more compact, reaching only two feet in height and four feet in width.
Houseplant Maintenance Tips
For those tending to houseplants, maintaining their health is crucial. A simple yet effective method is to give each plant a quarter turn weekly, ensuring that sunlight reaches all sides evenly, promoting a balanced growth. To encourage compact growth, pinching off new shoots is recommended. In cases where plants become leggy due to insufficient light, enhancing illumination with LED lights can provide a solution. Gooseneck LED lamps are ideal for desk plants, preventing stress-related issues that can arise from inadequate lighting.
By focusing on these key gardening tasks, enthusiasts can ensure their gardens flourish throughout the winter months, setting the stage for a bountiful spring.
