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The Root of The Problem
By
Debbie Cook
It’s February already and even though it might be the shortest month of the year, it seems awfully long to gardeners that are getting anxious to get their hands in the dirt again. Just like the plants, though, we need a bit of a dormant season to regain our enthusiasm and energy for the coming growing season. To help you start getting geared up for growing, here is the February To-Do list.
- If you haven’t cleaned and sharpened your tools, February is a good time to get it done. Before you know it you’ll be using them again and a sharp tool makes the work much easier. Sand wooden handles and put a coat of linseed oil on them. Sharpen the blades of your shovels and hoes, use steel wool to get the rust off and put a coat of oil on them, too.
- If you thought about having a soil test done last season, do it now before the labs get busy. Western Laboratory in Parma does a very thorough test for around $40. It may be a little more or less but the price is very reasonable for the results you get. Your local extension office also does soil testing through the University of Idaho for about the same amount of money.
- Water evergreens if you can get water in to the soil. Without adequate water available to the root system, your evergreens could show signs of browning when new growth starts this spring. Don’t forget about the shrubs that might be planted under the eaves of your house along the foundation.
- Towards the end of the month you can prune your grapes. If you’re unsure how to do that, visit your extension office for bulletins that will show you how to prune about anything. They are a great resource and reasonably priced.
- If winter winds have broken branches, prune them off. Broken and diseased wood and should be removed when you notice them.
- Check your stored summer bulbs. Toss any that are showing any sign of disease. If they are shriveled, mist them lightly.
- Place your seed order early for best selection. Some things run out quickly. Just for the fun of it, try growing one new thing this year.
- Check your garden to see if any perennials have heaved out of the ground. If so, press them back into the ground to protect the crown and reapply mulch.
- Repair and repaint window boxes and containers you want to reuse this year. If you’ve wanted to grow in raised beds, build the beds now. Don’t use pressure treated wood. Cedar and Redwood are naturally decay resistant but even untreated fir can last for about 10 years around here, thanks to our dry climate.
- Force some flowering branches for indoor color. Forsythia, quince and pussy willow work well. Cut branches slanting the base and place them in a vase of water. Change the water every few days. They should bloom in about 2-3 weeks.
- Don’t start your seeds too early. The last frost date in the valley is May 10th. Read your seed packets and count back to plant at the correct time. Leggy plants that are becoming pot bound will have a harder time getting established in your garden.
- Don’t forget your valentine! A single flower is enough to let someone know they’re special.
Okay, this list should give you something to do this month that will help keep your thumb a pale shade of green. Take a deep breath and enjoy February, the growing season is right around the corner.
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