Plant Tips for February
First Week: Start slow to germinate annual seeds such as Impatiens, Begonias, and Geraniums now. Use new pots or trays. Heated tray or cable to speed germination.
Second Week: Knock down snow that may have piled up above winter plant protection. Wash and sterilize pots and trays for transplants with a solution of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. Check to make sure rodent protection around trees and shrubs is still in place.
Third Week: Begin pruning summer/fall blooming shrubs. Pruning spring flowering shrubs will reduce spring display, but if the plants are overgrown, it may be better to sacrifice some flowering this season to improve the health of the plant for upcoming years. Link to pruning guide.
Fourth Week: Re-spray deer and rabbit repellents when temperatures remain above 32 degrees overnight. Begin pruning fruit trees; remove suckers, water sprouts, crossing branches, and crowded growth, to open up the center of the tree to sun. Spray fruit trees with a oil lime sulfur mix for higher quality fruit production as weather permits.