December in the Garden - Christmas Flowers Poland

WHAT TO PLANT christmas flowers poland

Bedding plants: To add color to the winter garden, plant masses of petunias, pansies, snapdragons and shasta daisies.

Bulbs: Now is the time to plant agapanthus, amaryllis, calla lilies, Easter lilies, crocosmia, watsonia and zephyranthes outdoors for spring blooms.

Herbs: Plant herbs that thrive in cool weather. Some to try are parsley, thyme, sage, dill, fennel, garlic, comfrey and coriander.

Vegetables: Reliable cool season vegetables to plant in your winter garden this month include celery, cauliflower, lettuce, cabbage and carrots. For a spring gardens, begin preparing the garden by adding organic soil amendments and broadcast fertilizer.

WHAT TO DO christmas flowers poland blogs

Poinsettias: One of the most popular holiday plants is poinsettia. Enjoy it indoors now; then plant in the garden for re-blooming next year.

Cold protection: The average first frost is Dec. 18; use cloth covers instead of plastic for cold protection, they are better insulators of heat.

Trees and shrubs: These can be transplanted now during this less stressful time of the year.

Fungal disease: Continue monitoring for brown patch fungal disease. Limiting the application of nitrogen and irrigating at the proper time of day are good preventive measures.

Houseplants: Winter shifts the focus from outdoors to indoor plants. Temperature, light and humidity are key to ensuring that indoor plants thrive. Cut back on the fertilizer but do check for water needs and pest problems.

Soil test: Conduct your annual soil test during this time of year when the grass is dormant. Visit soilslab.ifas.ufl.edu.

Pests: While cooler weather generally means fewer pests, some populations actually increase this time of year. Routinely watch for fire ants, chinch bug infestations and nematode damage. Treat according to University of Florida-Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences recommendations (see solutionsforyourlife.ifas.ufl.edu/hot_topics/environment/identification_resources.html). Always follow the label directions of a product before applying on any plant.

Karen Stauderman is a Volusia County residential horticulture extension agent. Reach her at 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand, FL 32724-6497, 386-822-5778 or email: kstauderman@co.volusia.fl.us.

Chunky Potato Soup With Dill

This recipe was brought over from Poland by epicurious.com's test kitchen director Ruth Cousineau's grandmother. Active time 15 minutes, total time 40 minutes; makes 6 servings

2 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

2 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

1 1/2 pound russet (baking) potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 stick unsalted butter

4 cups water (or chicken stock)

1 cup whole milk

2 tablespoons chopped dill

Cook vegetables in butter in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot, covered, over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown and stick to bottom of pot, about 15 minutes. Add water, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

Transfer 3 cups soup to a blender with milk and blend until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids). Return to pot, then stir in dill and salt and pepper to taste.

Nutritional information per serving: 199 calories, 9 g fat (6 g saturated), 28 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 4 g protein (nutritional analysis provided by Nutrition Data)