December

• In the case where you have an off season ‘hudrangea which is still in bloom, look after it watering it not so often. Place it in a very bright and cool place where it is 10-15 degrees Centigrade.
• Water regularly with small amounts of water the lovely elm which you have bought in  order to decorate in Christmas.
• Do not change the position of the camellia if it has started to bloom. Remember during this time of the year it requires 5-10 degrees centigrade indoors and if it will be put outdoors 4-7 degrees centigrade away from any snow and somewhere where there is not too much light.
• As soon as the leaves of the dahlias wither away, stop watering and prine leaving just 10 centimeters of height. If you live in cold area, uproot them allow them to dry, clean the roots and keep them in cool, but not a damp place.
• Check to see whether you have left out in the cold sensitive plants. Especially gerania and fouli which must not be left outdoors. Put them in a sheltered place where it is well ventilated and there is plenty of light.
• Cacti do not require water and they must be sheltered in a warm place or in a cold area indoors where the climate is cold. Exception to the rule is the Christmas cactus which is in bloom during this month and it needs to be kept constantly in a bright place. Regular watering is needed but not too much of it.
• Do not water the clivia as much as before and keep in a warmer place, so that it starts to bloom in winter.
• Pot convallaria, during this month so that you will get their beautiful, white, aromatic flower blooming.
• Do the same with ippeastrum so that you will get it to bloom before spring.
• Check tubers that have already been planted. Water them but in moderation. Soil must not always be moist.
• When the weather is fine, plant deciduous ornamental trees and shrubs.
• Plant fruit trees such as apple-trees, pear-trees, cherry-trees and apricot-trees as well as olive-trees in areas with mild climate.
• Spray trees with the appropriate pesticide, especially those which have been affected by aphids or pests.
• Plant grafted cuttings of vines which have formed roots.
• Plant young kiwi and cultivate among them one male plant so that fruit will pollinate.
• If you have bought plants for planting and due to cold and rainy, weather you cannot do so, huddle the pots near a wall and wait for weather conditions to improve.
• Plant onion seeds if you would like to have spring onions.
• In warm areas you can sow peas.
• Prepare any empty spaces in the garden, hoe well areas where you are intended to plant, as well as vegetable gardens.
• Stop mowing the lawn and do not step on it especially in cold climatic conditions.

January

• The pruning of rose-bushes takes place during this month in parts of the world with mild winters.Make use of branches already cut, as stem cuttings in order to create your own new plants.
• The corn grain crops pruning and quite a lot of it, the plant reaching 10 centimeters in height. Successively, the cold does not favour them, therefore transfer to sunny and protected areas.
• Should you buy now a ‘camelia’ in bloom, place it where there is plenty of light and somewhere it would be protected, preferably in a corner of a balcony.In the case where the temperature has fallen below 4-7 degrees Centigrade, then you must place it indoors in a cool place.
• House plants and especially the ones in bloom, are in great need of moisture.Exceptions to the rule are cactis, which must receive a minimum amount of water.Do not forget that if some these are still outdoors, it would be wise to put them in dry and airy places.
• You can prolong the blooming of ‘azalea’ by picking off carefully the flowers, which begin to fade. If temperatures do not reach low levels,planting deciduous, ornamental, or fruit trees, in the ground which is damp, or potting them in good quality soil would be a good alternative.
• Do not overlook the fact that fruit trees must be sprayed during winter recommended by botanists.
• Prune apple-trees, pear-trees,olive-trees, and gooseberries.
• Now is the month for sowing peas and spring onions.
• Do not mow the lawn and only water it when a number of days have elapsed without any rain.
• Now is the time to clean all gardening tools and equipment in order to keep them well-maintained.

February

• This is the month where dear and loved ones must be remembered. A precious gift in the form of a plant or flower, such as a beautiful ‘orchid’ in a lovely pot or even a single flower, which stands beautifully in a vase for day, will be very much appreciated.
• Do not forget to water plants outdoors and mainly indoors sparingly during this month.
• Do not change the position of flowering plants.The change of environment during this time of the year, will not favour them,limiting their number of buds.
• Pruning of roses should take place now, if it has not already been done,put branch cuttings from numerous varieties in flowerpots.In order to achieve the best results possible,immerse in rooting powder just the ends.Rooting is promoted in this way.
• If you would like to plant ‘gloxinias’ the huge velvety textured flowers now is the time to plant the tubers in pots with red-soil,healther-soil and sharp sand and finally a lot of peaty loam.
• Plant cutting from shrubs such as ‘deutzia’ and ‘weigela’(bush honeysuckle),but even tops of fittons’ with the ornamental’ leaves which is quite happy to be kept indoors.
• Get ready for your Spring sowing for flowers and fruit. Landscape flower-beds in your garden and arrange flower pots for the veranda.
• Prune the vines especially in hot areas and plant cuttings.
• Always kill weed with special pesticides for amateurs.
• Deciduous kind may be planted and even pruned.
• If you are growing strawberries indoors continue to water sparingly.
• In the garden and on the veranda you can plant cloves of garlic,spring onions or seeds for onions.
• Leave the mowing for the grass for later. Do not get carried away by sudden rise in temperature. Adverse conditions may affect it.
• Do not overlook the fact that a thorough sweep over will contribute towards a greener surface.