Pot up new amaryllis bulbs in wide, squat containers using a soilless growing medium. Allow the “shoulders” of the bulb to remain above the medium. Water well once and then allow the medium to dry out before watering again. Keep the pot away from direct sun, drafts, and heating vents.
As the stalk grows, rotate the pot for even growth. Most amaryllis plants send up the stalk and flowers first. After flowering, allow the stalk to turn yellow and wither before removing it from the bulb. If you want to try to save the plant, continue to water the plants when leaves emerge. After May 15, take the plant outside to receive morning sun and fertilize regularly with a dilute 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 mix. Bring the bulb in before Oct. 15 for its resting period.
Cyclamen plants are great for adding some winter color to your home. They prefer cool indoor conditions. Water them only when the soil dries out and avoid splashing water on foliage. Remove faded flowers and their stems as soon as possible to keep the plants blooming and looking good.
Use ice melt responsibly
Follow directions on bags of ice melt when salting slippery areas. I can always find the places where people have not read the labels before using ice melt over the course of winter. Many people apply too much ice melt, and this increases the likelihood of damage to walks and adjacent plants.
Consider using sand rather than ice melt on slippery areas. Alternatively, mixing a small amount of ice melt with sand can be effective. Calcium- or potassium-based products are less damaging to plants than sodium chloride products. Always shovel before spreading the deicing material. If you can, avoid piling snow mixed with an ice melt product onto your garden beds.
Pay attention to evergreens
Water evergreen shrubs that are planted in containers during warm and dry periods once the medium in the containers thaws out. Evergreens continue to lose water through their leaves, so providing supplemental water during winter helps prevent winter burn of the leaves.
By Tim Johnson from Daily Herald