Are you wondering how to make the best use of your garden bed in February? Check out these February garden tips below!
Mulch or Pine Straw
Install Mulch or pine straw in your beds if you haven’t already done so. Doing this will protect the roots of shrubs, trees, and perennials from the winter temperatures that we may still experience. If you have any newly installed plant material, it is recommended that you mulch these, too. Mulching will also dress up your yard during the drearier, less colorful winter months.
Fruit Tree Maintenance
Now is the time to spray fruit trees with dormant oils, lowering your insect problem in the spring and summer. However, hold off on pruning fruit trees until after our colder months pass.
Prune shade trees
Prune any broken or cross branches now. One can also take care of any unwanted seedlings or invasive trees in your landscape. Do not prune flowering trees yet.
Prune Crape Myrtles
Now is the time to prune Crape Myrtles. Refrain from committing “Crape Murder,” and do not hack the tree. Instead, prune off seed pods while keeping the height of the tree. If you prune back the Crape Myrtle too much, it will begin to form knobs. Also, prune any cross branches to keep the form and lines clean.
Preparing Garden Beds
Begin to prepare your vegetable beds for your spring garden. First, break up the soil. Then add compost or soil amendment, which will ensure there are enough nutrients in the soil for your garden to thrive.
Visualize and Plan
Use this downtime to visualize what you want to improve in the spring. If there are holes in your landscape, research plant material that will best fill the empty spot. A landscape with too many deciduous shrubs may appear bare during the winter months. Research evergreen options to add to the winter landscape.
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