Flower/Landscape Gardens
- Remove snow and ice from evergreens by gently tapping the underside of branches with a broom soon after the snow has fallen, before a few days of freeze and thaw.
- Check fall-planted and shallow-rooted perennials for heaving during thaws. Press plants back into ground and replace soil around the roots to prevent desiccation of the roots.
- Deadhead pansies regularly to prevent seed formation and promote flower production. Liquid feed pansies with fish emulsion, monthly if the soil is not frozen.
- Cut back ornamental grasses.
- Spray Roses with lime sulphur spray and oil to help reduce black spot for the following season (check information for exact amounts).
- Prune trees and shrubs that flower in mid to late summer.
- Prune grape vines while the plants are still dormant. Prune apple, pear and other fruit trees to remove suckers and damaged branches and to open up the centers.
- Thin shrubs like boxwood to promote healthy growth for next season.
- Force branches of early spring flowering shrubs (Quince, Pussy Willow, Forsythia, Spirea, and Azalea) and trees (Magnolias, Dogwood, Redbud and fruit trees) for use as cut flowers indoors.
- In late February, plant bare root fruit trees, perennials, roses, cane berries, grape, artichoke, asparagus and rhubarb if weather permits (ground is not frozen).
- Think about building or buying a cold frame, which extends the growing season by creating an earlier spring and a prolonged fall.
- Remember to water container plants under eaves and on porches, if soil is not frozen.
- Enjoy a cleaner and healthier garden throughout the winter. After applying a 1/4″ to 1/2″ inch layer of compost, apply a 2″ layer of mulch.
- Apply deer repellents regularly, especially after rain and snow.
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- Start herb and hardy annual and perennial seeds indoors such as Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Delphinium.
- Start seeds indoors of cold weather crops like broccoli, spinach, brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, kale and cauliflower for early spring planting.
- Check stored bulbs, corms, and tubers and discard any that have begun to rot.
Call DESIGNS FOR GREENER GARDENS at 410-626-6122 to help you with your February garden needs!
