Tasks
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide to lawns and beds later this month.
- Deep-water trees and native plants if rainfall has been light.
Pruning
- This is the time to work on dormant, deciduous plants - shrubs, vines, grapes, and roses, plus fruit and nut trees.
- Crepe myrtles and redbuds may be pruned now.
- Cut back and divide perennials.
Fertilizing
- No fertilization is recommended this month.
- When you do fertilize, always read labels carefully before application. Consult a plant expert at a nursery or a Master Gardener if you have questions.
Planting:
- This is the beginning of bare-root planting season. It is difficult to visualize the potential of bare-root plants, but they usually come with pictures to give you an idea.
- Bulbs, corms, tubers: canna and crocosmia.
- Fruits and vegetables: asparagus, cabbage, and bare-root berries.
- Trees, shrubs, vines: azalea and camellia.
Enjoy now:
- Annuals and perennials: snapdragon (Antirrhinum), calendula, and Chrysanthemum Paludosum, Holiday cactus (Schlumbergera).
- Bulbs, corms, tubers: crocus and cyclamen.
- Fruits and vegetables: beets, bok choy, chives, and mandarin oranges.
Things to ponder:
- This is a good time to look through seed catalogs.
- Wood ashes are not beneficial in the garden as they increase soil alkalinity.