Gardening Tips for February.

In February, we experience the beginnings of spring in the garden.  We start to see early colors and signs of new greenery.  Now is the time to prepare vegetable and flower beds and to start planting to get root systems established during the spring months.

Apply Pre-emergent to Lawns.  To have a lush green lawn free of weeds this spring treat your turf with a pre-emergent in early February.

Pre-emergents work by preventing weed seeds from germinating – so applying at the right time is important.  A reliable pre-emergent that works on weeds in East Texas is Hi-Yield’s Weed Stopper with Dimension.

If you prefer to use an organic product use Nature’s Guide Spreadable Corn Gluten.  It’s a natural weed preventer and nitrogen fertilizer.

Fertilize.   February is the time to fertilize trees, shrubs, lawns 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.

Pruning.  Prune back trees,  shrubs and roses before buds start to show.  Valentine’s Day is considered one of the best times to trim back roses.

Freezing Temperatures.    If temperatures drop below 32 degrees use a freeze cloth to protect early flowering buds or tender plants.