Cedar Creek Lake February Gardening Tip

by Stephen Gent, Owner
McDade's Nursery
Stephen has 14+ years of experience in horticulture as Publisher and Marketing Director for Nursery Management and Production, Greenhouse Management and Production and Garden Center magazine. An avid gardener with a lifelong passion for plants, he enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with customers.

In February, we experience the beginnings of spring in the garden. We start to see early colors and signs of new greenery around Cedar Creek Lake. Now is the best time to start preparing beds and to plant to get root systems established during the spring months.

Here are some important gardening tips for February.

Lawn Care. With the unusually mild winter, weeds will start growing earlier. Typically pre-emergents are spread on the lawn mid February to mid March to control spring weeds. This year we are recommending applying at the start of February.

If the warmer weather continues, we also suggest applying lawn fertilizer earlier than normal starting later in February. The McDade's Nursery special blend 16-4-12 fertilizer is formulated for the turf and soil types found in and around Cedar Creek Lake.

Fertilize. February is the time to fertilize trees, shrubs and evergreens. Use a rose or all-purpose garden type fertilizer to feed roses, fruit and flowering trees, plus other deciduous trees and shrubs. If you use dry type fertilizers, be sure to water-in thoroughly after application.

Spraying. Make an application of winter dormant spray on fruit trees to kill damaging insects as they wake up from their winter's nap. Spray at a time when the wind is not blowing and when temperatures are above freezing.

Freezing Temperatures. This month can bring some of the coldest temperatures of the year. Keep an eye on the weather forecast for low temperatures and use freeze cloths to protect early flowering or tender plants.

Vegetables. Cool season veggies can be planted starting early in the month. Asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, onions, swiss chard and collards (kale) are all recommended.

McDade's Nursery has a Spring Vegetable Planting Guide specifically for the Cedar Creek Lake Area. This handy one page flyer tells you when to plant, how deep and how far apart. Stop by to pick up your copy.

Happy Gardening

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