February flower care and tips on starting seeds

Whether receiving a handmade Valentine’s card or a box of confectioner’s delights, keeping a fresh bouquet of roses or flowers is a piece of cake.

CUT FLOWERS

B Clean your favorite vase, and then fill it halfway with lukewarm water. Mix in half or the entire preservative bag that comes with your flowers. Or, combine 1 gallon of water with 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Cut flowers last twice as long when using preservative or a homemade solution than being in plain water. These solutions also prevent bacterial growth. B Cut off all the leaves and foliage that will be under the water. Also re- cut the stems under running water, taking an inch off the bottom. Use a knife instead of scissors ( prevents crushing) and cut the stems at a 45- degree angle, which allows better update of the water. B Location is important to flower longevity. Place the arrangement in a cool spot away from direct sun, cold and direct heat. If you want closed buds on roses to open more quickly, put them in a warm room, but move them back to a cool space once they open. B Add more lukewarm water every day, and every fourth day change the water along with adding another preservative packet ( or half) or the homemade solution. B If your roses are taking a nod or wilting, revive them by re- cutting the bottom stems under water and submerging the entire rose stem in a bathtub or bucket of warm water. They should perk up after an hour.

SPRING PLANTING PREP

B Inventory and purchase as needed indoor seed starting supplies— potting soil, heat mats, light bulbs and seed trays. Sterilize previously used trays with a 10- part- to- 1 bleach solution. B Start seeds indoors of cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, parsnips, onions, celery and Brussels sprouts in February for transplanting into the garden in March to April. Cold frames or tunnel systems may be needed. B Some annual and perennial seeds need 10 to 12 weeks to grow to transplant size. Seed these indoors soon for spring planting— rudbeckia ( black- eyed Susan), craspedia ( drumstick flower), delphinium, polygonum, asclepias ( butterfly weed), salvia, snapdragon, stock, perennial sunflowers, verbena, angelonia, hollyhock, viola and impatiens. B Examine fall stored tubers like cannas and dahlias; toss those that are moldy or rotted.