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