Page 26 - Robeson Living Winter 2021

Benefits of

Raised Bed

Gardening

By Mack Johnson,
Extension Horticultural Agent

January does not have to be the end of your beautiful poinsettia sunlight daily. Depending on the particular cultivar, the plant
or fresh-cut Christmas tree. To renew your poinsettia, prune the should bloom during November or December.
plant back to about eight inches in the spring, after the colorful
bracts fade. The plant may appear bare after pruning but new A fresh-cut tree can be recycled after the holidays. Fresh-cut
growth will start from the nodes present up and down the stem. trees are repurposed into wind and water barriers at the beach
Keep the plant near a sunny window and water it regularly dur- and in riverbeds to help fight soil erosion. Trees sunk in ponds
ing its growing period. Once night temperatures remain above provide refuge and feeding areas for fish. Many county mu-
50°F, you can move the plant outdoors. Fertilize the growing nicipalities will collect live trees at no extra charge to the cus-
plant lightly every two to three weeks until fall with a complete tomer. These trees will be chipped and ground into mulch,
fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. adding value, purpose, and beauty back to the environment.
The mulch can be used in the garden or planting beds to help
In early June, transplant the poinsettia into a larger container. reduce weeds, modify soil temperature, and help retain soil
Use a soil mix containing organic matter, such as compost, leaf moisture. Adding these trees to brush piles can also create
mold, or peat moss. Pinch back the shoot tips to increase plant natural wildlife habitats for many small animals and birds. If
density. Don’t pinch back after September 1. Bring the plant the tree has been flocked or sprayed with flame retardant, the
indoors to a sunny location when night temperatures become residue on the tree may hinder its environmental use. Be sure
cool (55F to 60°F). to remove all decorations before offering the tree for recycling.
Contact the Robeson County Solid Waste Department at 910-
Poinsettias are a short-day plant, which means they need a 865-3348 or 1-800-682-2014 for more information on their re-
continuous, long-dark period each night to form their color- cycling program.
ful bracts. Starting the first week of October, the plant must
be kept in total darkness for 14 continuous hours each night, For more information, contact Mack Johnson, Extension Horti-
for an eight- to ten-week period. Keep the plant in darkness by cultural Agent, at 910-671-3276, by Email at Mack_Johnson@
moving it to a closet or covering it with a large box. During this nscu.edu, or visit our website at http://robeson.ces.ncsu.edu/.
period, the plant must also receive six to eight hours of bright

Page 26 Robeson Living ~ Winter 2021