We are fortunate to live in an area of the country where we can garden almost yearlong. Our winters are typically mild, though we can have a jagged snowfall or ice storm. While our friends to the north are completed gardening until the spring, we are only getting going with vegetables, seeds and decorative plants. Take a peek at this list of garden actions to make sure you and your garden are on track.
Arterra Landscape Architects
Spray fruit trees. Not one of our fruit trees are native to our areas, so they need a little extra care at the moment and will gain from a spray schedule to prevent ailments.
Apple, peach, pear, apricot and plum trees have to be sprayed regularly. There are unique sprays to be applied at different times throughout the cool months, so make sure you consult the regional county extension office or trusted nursery about when to spray your fruit trees to keep them healthy.
The New York Botanical Garden
Plant flower seeds. Seeds for blossoms like delphinium, larkspur and poppy can be sown now. Be sure to prepare your mattress before sowing seeds — eliminate weeds, amend your soil for good drainage and soil health, and be certain that you know which sort of sun requirements your seeds need.
While many blossoms prefer full sun, some perform better when given some colour. Read the back of your seed packet for information light and how deep sow specific seeds, as seeds planted too deep can have a difficult time germinating.
Amy Renea
Shield plants throughout freezes. Freezes will vary depending upon what part of the state you reside in, but all of us know to anticipate some freezing or snowy weather from time to time. Protect your tender plants with frost blankets from the regional nursery or home improvement store, or create a cold period to thoroughly cover plants. Consider buying a small movable greenhouse for any tropical patio containers — I have found greenhouses at a local nursery for about $ 250 to $500.
AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc..
Plant herbs. All hardy perennial herbs — like rosemary, rue, thyme, lavender, oregano and sage — can be planted now. Annual or biennial herbs — like parsley, dill, fennel and cilantro — can also be planted now. Most of these herbs prefer full sun, though some will tolerate some light shade throughout the day.
Jocelyn H. Chilvers
Sterile and oil garden tools. Your tools have worked hard for you this past year, so do them the favor of cleaning them up until they require a winter’s rest. Clean off any visible debris and grime, sharpen blades and oil all moving parts. You are able to buy sharpening kits at many hardware stores, or in case you’re not the DIY type, take them into a specialty shop to have them sharpened. If your hardware shop does not execute this type of task, look for a knife or instrument shop in your region.
The Todd Group
Plant bulbs. This is the final opportunity, in most cases, to plant bulbs — and the first part of the month is your best time. Plant daffodils, hyacinths, Louisiana irises, jonquils, cannas, gladiolus and dahlias.
Pick a bright spot in your garden to tuck in flower bulbs or plan to possess big flashes of flowering bulbs for a spectacular spring display. Bulbs should be planted at a depth that’s two to three times the diameter of the bulb, but I like to adhere to the specific recommendations on the back of the bulb bundle just to be certain.
Gardening with Confidence®
Plant strawberries. It’s simple to grow strawberries in your vegetable garden: simply give them plenty of sun and a little room to distribute. Fantastic varieties to try are Chandler, Douglas and Sequoia, though the regional nursery will be able to give you recommendations for much more great options for your region.
If you reside in North Texas, it’s still possible to plant strawberries, however your spring yield will be lower. Have patience and you will be rewarded with berries the season. Gardeners at the Austin-to-Houston area is going to have a better prospect of a good spring yield by planting now.
J. Peterson Garden Design
Plant vegetables. Greens-loving individuals will be glad that we can still plant spinach, arugula, broccoli, cabbage, chard and other lettuce varieties at the moment. Make sure that you choose a sunny spot in your garden and make plant tags or markers to recall what variety you planted where.
Consider staggering your plantings so that your greens will not be ready for harvest all at once. I like to plant several transplants every two weeks or so to maintain my crop moving throughout the cooler months.