Complete these garden chores before spring
February is quickly coming to a close, and that means things will soon get very busy in the garden. Take care of these chores now, while you have the chance.
• Pulling weeds seems like a yearround chore — and it is. Right now, remove those winter weeds before they start going to seed, and expect the summer weeds to pop up any day now, if they haven’t already.
• Like to garden in clay pots? You really should clean the empty ones once a year with soapy water and a stiff wire brush. Allow them to dry thoroughly, then rub with linseed oil. This will take care of any lurking pathogens and create a nice home for any new plants.
• It might seem too early, but yellowjacket queens and scouts are out there looking for new nesting places. Set out bait stations now to help prevent future colonies from getting established in your yard and making your summer barbecues nightmarish.
• The window for spraying for Peach Leaf Curl is quickly closing. You want to do it before bud break — when buds start to show a little color. If you have
peaches and nectarines, work the spray into your regular gardening routine.
• Harvest any citrus remaining on your trees.
• It might look unattractive, but don’t prune away frost damage on citrus and other plants. Pruning will encourage new growth, but we are not yet out of freeze danger, and you don’t want to increase the damage to your plants.
• If the weather is dry enough — and sadly, it has been — add compost to your summer vegetable beds in preparation for planting in a month or so.
• Start tomato, eggplant, onion, parsley and pepper seeds indoors, using bottom heat for best germination.
• Finish pruning roses now. If you have a hard time remembering when to prune, in future years just prune on Super Bowl Sunday. It’s the perfect time and honestly, the game never starts until late afternoon. Spray with dormant oil to control pests, if needed.
• Wait to prune fuchsias until the end of the month.
• Plant gladiolus bulbs.