February is one of my favorite months, not only because it is my husbands’ and my youngest son’s birthday month, but because for those of us who live in the Houston area, it means Spring is in the air and almost here!
Now, is the time to start planning our garden, so it’s ready to enjoy in our lovely Spring!
LAWNS: This is the time to apply a preemergent herbicide to stop Spring weeds such as crabgrass, goosegrass and dallisgrass before they begin. Come by our nursery and pick up Barricade (non-organic) or corn gluten meal if you prefer an organic approach.
PLANTING: Time to plant Strawberries! Plant them in Strawberry Jars or hanging baskets to avoid fungus and insects from attacking the fruit. Tomatoes can be started in pots which can be sheltered indoors should we have a freeze. Lettuce and Arugula can also be planted as they love the cooler weather and will perform well into the beginning of summer. Plant Bluebonnets for an early display of Texas blooms!
Photo: Via Public Domain
PESTS: Aphids and Loopers can be a problem for cool season vegetables and annuals, use the most organic solution possible for treating these insects. Stop by our nursery and we will help you select the best treatments. Also, check your plants for scale insects on ornamentals such as Camellias, Gardenias, Hollies, Japanese Blueberries and Magnolias, these can be treated with horticultural oil while the weather is still cool.
BEDS:
Prune back perennials that are overgrown or have some frost damage. Pruning back will allow for fresh Spring start. Do not trim or cut back tropical plants yet, wait as we could still have another freeze which will further damage plants such as Hibiscus, Bougainvillea and Ixora. Add spring blooming annuals such as Poppies, Larkspur, Geranium and Delphiniums in your beds and planters for a burst of Spring blooms!
PRUNING: Mid-February is the time to prune your Roses – prune them to promote a better shape, removing crossing branches, and any dead branches. Roses can also be pruned all the way down to 6-8” if they are getting too large for their space. All other trees and shrubs should be pruned at this time of the year – except for ones that are Spring Blooming – such as Spiraea, Azalea, Flowering Pears, Red Buds – these should be pruned after they finish flowering. As discussed above, wait to prune any tropical plants. This is the time to think about pruning your Italian Cypress, as many of my clients know, I always discuss the importance of trimming these trees 3-4 feet every couple of years – to promote a stronger tree.
TREES: If you are considering adding a shade or ornamental tree, this is the perfect time to plant it! Come by our nursery and we can help you select the perfect tree to fit your needs! Planting trees early will help them adapt to their new home easily and gives trees more time to adjust to their new owners before the brutal hot summer sets in.
FREEZES: During this month, we need to still be cautious of another possible frost, so keep your eye on the weather and stay informed on night-time lows. Keep your frost cloths easily available, and when temperature drops below 32 degrees double wrap tender plants to ensure proper insulation. Do not use plastic against foliage as this can easily burn the plant – use plastic as the second exterior layer only, making sure it is removed during the day. Use clothespins and bricks or stone to secure the ends and make sure no cold air is coming in through the bottom of wrapping.
Most of all, be inspired! The best time to dream and implement a Serene Escape in your garden is now!
An idyllic spot in one of my clients gardens.
Ciao Mardel
