Don’t be caught off guard this month with Mother Nature sending us a few blossoms, winter is not over yet! Here are some timely plant and garden related tips from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture:
Shrubs & Trees
- Deciduous shrubs and trees are still dormant enough to transplant this month, once the buds have begun to swell, I would recommend waiting until fall. Plant new roses, or move old roses soon after February 15.
- Late February and March are good times to trim trees and shrubs. If the limb is larger than 2 inches in diameter, or heavily weighted, use the three-step method for removing branches. Make the first cut on the underside of the limb about 6 inches away from the trunk, cutting about one-third of the way through the limb. On the top side, cut through the limb 3 to 6 inches beyond the first cut. Remember when pruning, to remove dead or diseased branched first, and then take out any rubbing or crossed branches. Prune to maintain a natural form unless formality is appropriate for the design.
- Postpone pruning of spring-flowering and early summer-flowering shrubs like azaleas, forsythia, spirea, and mophead hydrangea until just after they flower.
- Apply dormant horticulture oil, such as Ultra-Fine, to fruit and nut trees to eliminate scale and other pests. It must be applied before spring growth appears. These oils also can control scale insects on hollies, euonymus and camellias. For best results, be sure to completely spray the entire plant including the underside of the leaves.
Perennials, Annuals & Bulbs
- If your ornamental grasses, such as as Miscanthus, Pennisetum, Mexican feather, switchgrass and muhly grass are looking tattered and blowing about the garden, cut them back 3 to 6 inches above the ground. You can also wait until March to do this.
- Plant cold weather annuals Nasturtiums, Pansies, Violas, Snapdragons, English Daisies, Sweet William, Gazanias, and Calendulas.
- Most perennials may be divided and moved up until they begin to show new growth.
- If you plan to grow your own annuals such as ageratum, verbena, petunia, vinca, or other slowing plants, the seeds should be started indoors this month.
Fruits & Veggies
- Green/English and sugar snap peas can be direct sown in the garden in February. In colder parts of the state, wait until the end of the month. If sown too late, they will not have time to flower and fruit before it gets too hot.
- Sow broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage seed indoors now or buy transplants in March. Harden them off before planting out in March.
- Start seeds of herbs indoors for transplant outdoors.
- Grapes must be pruned by Valentines day to prevent sap ‘bleeding’.
- Strawberries can be planted as soon as they become available.
- Cane fruits (raspberries and blackberries), with the exception of everbearers should have all the canes which produced fruit last year removed.
Indoor house plants
- House plants may notice the longer days, and begin growing. You can begin feeding them again, but use a dilute 50% fertilizer mix until the growth is robust.
- Remove dust from your house plants by rinsing them in the shower
Odds & Ends
- Plan your summer flower garden and peruse books, magazines, and catalogs for ideas and inspiration
- Check your gardening tools for rust. Clean rust from spades and hoes. Prevent future rust by coating tool heads with mineral oil or used motor oil.
- Inspect your pruning saws, clippers, and shovels and sharpen if needed.
- Bluebirds are already looking for a place to nest, so clean out your birdhouse soon. If you are in need of a good bluebird house, check out Homes for Bluebirds, Inc.