February - the days grow longer - a sign to gardeners everywhere that Spring is coming (though it takes longer to arrive in some places than others). Keep hopeful - Spring is almost here! Certain trees, roses and other hardy plants might spring to life right under your nose. And, since temperatures are on the rise, you'll want to take advantage of this time to perform some maintenance before plants become too active. Below is a simple checklist of things "To Do" in February.
For Your Lawn
- Maintenance: If you have not serviced your power equipment like your lawn mower, now is the time. Make sure to change the oil, replace filters and spark plugs and have the blade sharpened.
- Weed Control: In mid-February apply Fertilome Crabgrass Preventer. Crabgrass seeds can germinate anytime between now and mid to late June. Make a second application in 60 days.
- Fertilize: Apply last application of fertilizer to cool season fescue. Applications should be based on 1 lb. of nitrogen per thousand sq. ft. The next fertilizer application will be made in September. Keep in mind your Crabgrass Preventer might also include a fertilizer - for your lawn eliminating the need to do it separately.
- Avoid walking on frozen lawns as this may injure the grass.
For Your Trees and Shrubs
- Fertilize: For flowering trees and shrubs use a product with a high level of Phosphorous to ensure plenty of blooms. Holly-tone or Plant-tone are great general fertilizers for all your trees and shrubs.
- Prune: Begin your pre-Spring pruning on Crape Myrtles, Privet, Butterfly Bush, Trees, Ornamental Grasses, etc.
- Plant: Plant as long as the ground is not frozen. The roots will continue to grow some in the soil, giving them a jumpstart over plants that will be planted in the spring.
- Water: Keep in mind that plants, especially newly planted ones, need water even during the winter months. Protect your new and established plants by watering before the threat of freezing temperatures.
- Transplant: Deciduous trees and shrubs transplant well in the winter while they are dormant.
- Clean Up: Cut back and clean up frost killed perennials.
For Your Garden
- Divide perennials like daylily, shasta daisy and coreopsis when the ground is dry.
- Branches of forsythia, quince, winter honeysuckle, and flowering cherry may be forced indoors. Place cut stems in a vase of water and change water every 4 days.
- Encourage birds to nest in your yard by providing water and putting up birdhouses. This is particularly true for bluebirds, which will be selecting nesting sites later this month.
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