Harris County Master Gardener Offers Gardening Advice for February
by Karen Shook, Master Gardener
To clean or not to clean. As I write this note in mid-January, the weather has been so pleasant that the temptation to clean up from our December cold is very strong. Good advice is to clean out the mushy, learn to live with the rest. We will see if I have the willpower to follow that advice at least until we are closer to the last frost date in Zone 9 (February 18 or February 28th depending on the source).
Average temperature in February is 57° F and average precipitation is 2.6 inches. The weather forecasts I look at conflict more than is usual, so I will go with my monthly mantra, check for "too wet, too dry, just right" and water accordingly.
Perennials and Ornamental Grasses
- Plant spring and summer blooming perennials. Examples are daylily, canna, daisy.
- Divide fall and summer blooming perennials, ornamental grasses.
- In late February, fertilize actively growing perennials.
Annuals
- Set out transplants of cool season annuals like alyssum, coneflowers, pansies.
- Start seeds of warm season annuals indoors.
Bulbs
- Plant gladiolus (and other summer flowering bulbs). Plant gladiolus bulbs every two weeks from February through May for successive blooms.
- Provide a light application of fertilizer for spring blooming bulbs showing active growth.
Roses
- January through early February are good times for planting and transplanting roses. Transplanting needs to be complete by the end of February.
- Finish spring pruning early to middle of February (according to my mother-in-law who had beautiful rose beds, Valentine’s Day is pruning day. I admit I lean more toward end of January).
Harris County Master GardenersUpcoming Plant SalesNorthwest Fruit Tree SaleFebruary 11 @ 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM or until supplies last
St. Paul's Episcopal Church @ 5373 Franz Rd, Katy TX 77493 All HCMGA citrus will be sold only at this location.
Southeast Online Tomato SaleFebruary 1-16 @ The HCMGA Online Store
Plant pickup day is February 18 @ 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Pickup location: 1210 Genoa Red Bluff Rd, Houston, 77034
Citrus is not available at this location. Remaining plant inventory is available for purchase.
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Shrubs/Trees
- Prune shrubs as needed while still dormant. Any new shrubs you want to add should be planted by the end of February.
- Finish fertilizing most trees and shrubs by late February. You want the nutrients to be available to support spring growth, but don’t want to encourage spring growth too early in case of another cold snap.
- Prune fruit trees as needed. Pruning needs are specific to type of fruit tree, so check with County Extension Office for pruning guides.
- Prune summer blooming trees like crape myrtles, chaste trees.
Lawns
- Keep your lawn raked so the grass can see the sun. Use leaves as compost or mulch.
- Pre-emergent herbicides may help keep the spring weeds down. Check the label for appropriate temperatures before applying.
Edibles (vegetables, herbs, berries, fruits)
- Trim blackberry and blueberry bushes. Again, check with county extension office to get specific pruning advice.
- See the following link for recommended planting times: Harris County Vegetable Planting Guide
Groundcovers and Vines
- Most woody vines bloom in the spring; don't prune until after bloom.
- Consider planting ground cover in areas that are difficult to mow or where grass has not done well in the past. Remove vegetation, till the soil, add organic matter to prepare.
- Every 2 to 3 years, shear groundcovers back to 6 to 10 in above soil before new growth begins.
Source: Harris County Master Gardeners Urban Dirt Newsletter (February 2023 Edition)
About Urban Dirt
Each month, Harris County Master Gardeners publishes an informative, resourceful newsletter entitled "Urban Dirt". This article was derived from the February 2023 edition. To read the February 2023 edition of this newsletter, click the button below.
URBAN DIRT - February 2023 EDITION
