While most of us are reading a good book or watching a football game by the fire, there are a few gardening "to dos" that can be done if you get the itch to venture out, as I do. Here is a week-by-week list of some of the most common things to do.

Week one

While the leaves are off most of our trees, it is easy to see the limb structure of them. Mark the limbs you think should be removed, then step back and take another look before cutting them off.

Begin pruning shrubs around your yard. January is an excellent time to prune many shrubs like Smoketree, Beautyberry, Nandina, Butterfly Bush and Crape Myrtle.

On a sunny, nice day, feed your pansies and ornamental cabbages with a balanced fertilizer that contains "nitrate nitrogen." This nutrient is best for plants growing in cold soil. Most garden supply stores have fertilizers that are made specifically for these plants.

Water your holiday poinsettias only as needed. Make sure the top inch of the soil is dry to the touch. Set them where there is bright light and cool temperatures. Fertilize them in early spring.

Week two

Water pansies and ornamental kale after a hard freeze. This should rehydrate their wilted leaves. If you have window boxes or container pots, remember to water them regularly when they are dry to the touch.

Now is a great time to transplant small, leafless woody shrubs. If you have a warm day, transplant them when the ground is not frozen.

Chop to the ground all of your unwanted invasives like kudzu, English ivy and bamboo. Follow up with a strong weed killer like Round-Up in April.

Don't forget your houseplants. Give them a half turn every month so they don't lean too much in one direction.

Week three

Shrubs that are known for their foliage should be pruned now, before spring growth begins. Some examples are juniper, holly, barberry and boxwood.

If temperatures drop below 20 F after a week or so of warm weather, cover your plants like camellias and gardenias with black plastic to protect new growth that might have begun.

Now is a great time to get your gardening magazines and seed catalogs renewed.

Week four

Begin pruning apple and pear trees. Also, grape vines can be pruned.

Purchase some 3-inch pots of pansies and English daisies. Plant them in a sunny spot to make an immediate impact in your yard.

Rototill the soil in your vegetable gardens when the ground is dry and cold. This will get rid of some of the insects and weeds.

If you need further information about other gardening activities that can be done, call us at the Hall County Extension office at 770-535-8293.

Happy New Year to all!

Thanks to Walter Reeves' pruning calendar and seasonal gardening tips on WalterReeves.com.

Wanda Cannon is a Master Gardener trained through the Hall County program and also serves as Master Gardener coordinator and horticulture assistant for the Hall County Extension office. Phone: 770-535-8293.