It appears that on Groundhog Day this year, our National weather profit extraordinaire, Punxsutawney Phil, did not see his shadow. Legend has it that this indicates an early Spring is on its way! In order to prepare for some early springlike weather, here are some February garden tips for your own private Idaho...
- Shrubs & trees that drop their leaves in Fall can still be transplanted if their buds haven't begun to swell
- Deep feed you trees by punching 1-2" holes 2' apart around the drip line & fill with appropriate food
- Mulch your trees with well composted manure
- Fertilize your rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias & roses
- Prune summer flowering shrubs if needed NOTE: this will cause a loss of flowers this year
- Prune any dead, decayed or broken branches from all shrubs and trees
- Plants that may have been pushed out of the ground by frost heave should be pressed firmly back into place
- Plant Daylilies, Bleeding Hearts, and Hostas
- Deciduous vines such as Honeysuckle should be pruned for shape
- Most perennials can be divided and moved up until the time they begin to show new growth
- Check your over-wintered plants such as Fuchsias and Geraniums, and if they are shriveled water them lightly.
- Lobelia, Ageratum, Verbena, Petunia, Vinca, or other slow growing plants, should be started indoors in the later part of the month
- The vegetable garden should get its first good tilling of the year, if weather and wetness permits
- You can begin feeding house plants, but only use a half strength solution of your House Plant fertilizer until the growth is robust
- Continue feeding the birds so they will stick around to help with insect control when the weather warms up again
- Check your garden tools and get your mower back in shape
- Turn the compost pile!
Wishing you flourishing flora & fauna this Spring season!
