Planting tips for cool-season annuals, vegetables

Although most local gardens and landscapes are dormant in January, there is still opportunity to plant winter color and coolseason vegetables, said experts at Agromin, a Camarillo-based manufacturer of premium soil products. It's also time to spruce up landscapes for when spring arrives.

Plant cool-season annuals, trees: Winter flower gardens can thrive with cool-season annuals including pansies, violas and primrose. Select alreadyblooming flowers at garden centers for instant effect. The flowers will bloom well into spring. January is also a good time to plant bareroot trees, shrubs and vines.

Plant quickgrowing vegetables: Not all vegetables hit their peak in summer. Vegetables such as lettuce, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, spinach, onions, potatoes and beets all grow well in winter.

Prune and rake: Prune deciduous trees (trees that shed leaves annually) and shrubs, including fruit-bearing plants. Rake fallen leaves from lawns so grass can soak up winter sun and properly dry from winter rains.

Care for living Christmas trees: Now that the holidays are over, it's time to bring living Christmas trees outside and transplant them into the ground. Living trees should stay indoors for as little time as possible. Trees can easily grow 50 feet or higher, so select their permanent outdoor location with care.

Extend the life of poinsettias: Poinsettias can live a long, healthy life after the holidays. Place poinsettias in indirect sunlight at comfortable room temperature. Don't place the plants near doors where they may be susceptible to drafts or near fireplaces or ventilating ducts where they can be subjected to excessive heat. Only water the plants when the soil feels dry to the touch. When the flowers have lost their luster, cut them back to no more than 8 inches tall. When the weather warms, bring them outside, transplant to bigger pots and continue to prune until they grow into thick bushy plants in time for the next holiday season.

For more planting and gardening tips, visit www.agromin.com.