To Do List In February For The Southern Landscape
What to Prune Now
The shrubs that flower on new wood should be pruned now to encourage the development of this new growth as soon as conditions for growth become favorable.
Do not prune the early flowering shrubs until after flowering. These shrubs formed their bloom buds late last summer and early fall as the growth began to slow down and the plant began to store carbohydrates.
Any wood removed now will cause a loss in flower production.
Roses
Pruning of roses should be done about the middle of the month (February) in the South. The old question of how much” is always asked. There are two schools of thought, actually, as most growers know. Severe pruning to a height of six to ten inches gives more vigorous growth and longer stems with fewer, but larger, blossoms.
Light pruning results in more blooms on shorter stems, and usually smaller blooms. Have a definite reason for pruning and not just for exercise! Prune to correct habits of growth; to remove dead, broken or diseased wood; to control plant size; to stimulate new growth; and to enhance the natural beauty of the plant.
Good pruning takes some knowledge of plant growth, so study natural growth habits of plants and be guided accordingly.
Indoor Plants
This month is a good time to survey the indoor planters and rework them for spring. Light liquid feeding would be beneficial. Many of these plants may have become leggy” during the winter months of growing under adverse interior conditions. By pinching or pruning new growth can be stimulated and the material taken off can be used for cuttings to make more plants.
Air Layering
On some of the larger plants, especially the tropical foliage group, rubber trees, dracaenas, and dieffenbachias, why not try some air layers? This is an interesting project.
Select a mature plant that has a long exposed stem and make a sloping cut half through the stem, just under the top leaves. Wedge a piece of a match or similar material in to hold the cut open.
Now, pack a ball of wet moss (sphagnum preferred) around the cut and tie in place. Cover with foil or plastic to prevent the loss of moisture. Aerial roots will develop from the cut (on the same principle as roots developing on cuttings) in from three to six weeks.
Remove the rooted “layer” and replant in a container of good soil. After the “layer which was the top growth has been removed, save the old stem and the buds will develop into new shoots. They can then be done in the same way and new plants made from those layers.
Bird Shelters
This is the time of year to clean, repair and redecorate the bird houses. The time for the return of these feathered friends is near. A few never leave, and so appreciate a “hand out” now and then. These birds give life and interest to a changing season in the garden. Make them welcome by providing food, shelter, and above all, water.
Water is the most critical commodity needed for our winter bird population. Devise some method of keeping it fresh and free of freezing.
Seed Sowing
This important job begins during the last half of the month and continues into March. Make your seed flats, get the soil ready and make sure seeds are on hand and everything is ready. Many plants such as single red roses can be started in the house. Red rose plants can be put into the garden early to extend the season for local color.
Tender, slow growing annuals should be started indoors where possible. Fairly good success can be had from planting sweet peas, poppies, stock and larkspur now in their permanent location. Keep a close eye on the developing seedlings in flats so that they do not become crowded. Replant before crowding results.