Hey Laid-back gardeners. Appears like we’re going to be again in cool climate this week – yea! When you’ve got Cole crops in your backyard, they need to be doing nicely. It was hotter than typical final week, however hopefully they’ll get pleasure from this cool snap we have now developing. Tuesday and Wednesday could get into the excessive 30’s so make sure to water all pots and gardens nicely. We aren’t anticipating a freeze, but when it dips low sufficient dry roots are vulnerable to freeze injury; the moist, not soggy, soil protects them. When you’ve got been pruning this month (article 1.15) and you’re letting your backyard relaxation over this winter; this could possibly be the proper time to get your gardening instruments prepared for spring. Tips on how to clear the metallic elements: use a rough metallic brush to scrape the dust off your instruments. Adopted by a humid rag to get any left behind particles. Rub away any rust with sandpaper or metal wool pad relying on severity. You can even soak them in white vinegar for twenty-four hours. The vinegar will assist break down the rust. Then proceed to scrubbing. Sharpen the blades utilizing a file, whetstone or sharpening stone applicable to the dimensions of the blade. On pruning instruments, solely sharpen the reducing blade. When all is accomplished, oil them down with WD-40, linseed oil or mild cooking oil. Now in your wood handles, sand down any tough spots. As soon as all clean, oil them down with Linseed oil. When is completed, retailer your instruments in a dry place and place them in a bucket of sand. This helps to whisk moisture away, and you’ve got some available when wanted. Hopefully some Laidback gardeners made it out to the Sugar Land Backyard Membership’s fearless pruning occasion. Would love to listen to from you. Fort Bend County has its annual Grasp Gardeners’ Fruit Tree Sale on Feb. eleventh.