February Tips

 

• Fertilize  cool weather annuals such as pansies and snap dragons. Add other cool weather annuals such as  violas, alyssum, and sweet William.

 

• Most garden centers will be stocking bare-root plants this month.   Set out bare-root trees, roses, and other plants as soon as possible after purchase.  Soak roots overnight if they appear to be dry.

 

•Now is the time to prune roses, trees, and shrubs. 

 

•If you want to start seeds indoors for earlier bloom, sow seeds of warm weather annuals and vegetables indoors in pots or flats filled with a sterile potting medium. Check seed packet to determine how many weeks before planting date to start seeds.

 

•Shear monkey grass this month to avoid clipping new growth.

 

•Clean and sharpen garden tools. Tools will not only last longer but  will be easier to use.

 

•February is a good time to drain and clean water gardens or fish ponds.  Fill large buckets with water from the pond  for the fish to stay for a few days until the chemicals in the clean water have time to evaporate.

 

•To improve garden soil, add leaves or other organic matter and till.  The addition of  sand is also recommended.

 

•Continue to feed the birds!

 

•Force branches of spring-blooming shrubs into bloom for indoor color. Winter honeysuckle, forsythia, and winter jasmine are examples of flowering shrubs that can be forced to bloom indoors.  Cut the number of branches the length you desire and submerge them in water over-night.  Recut branches and place in a vase, arranging them as you go. Fill the container with water and place it in a cool  place.  Change the water often and watch the blooms unfurl.

 

•Winter is a good time to look at the structure of your garden to determine if

adding statuary, arbors, benches, or paths would improve the garden picture.

 

•Check existing structures to see if they need repairing or painting.