February is
National Bird Feeding Month… so if you have not yet enjoyed this hobby, it is
not too late to start. Choose the proper feed and feeders for the types of
birds you would like to attract. Tube type feeders are great for all types of songbirds,
including finches, nuthatches, pine siskens, and more. Platform type feeders, (feeders
with a horizontal bar or platform) are best for attracting larger birds such as
cardinals, bluebirds, blue jays, etc. To view the antics of these fluttering
jewels is remarkable. Start today.
I
cannot believe that it is February already. January is normally
one of the slowest months around a garden center, but this year it has flown
by. It is time for that furry little rodent to come out and tell us what we
already know; it is winter, and groundhogs know nothing about predicting the
weather. It is also time for the Super Bowl and the associated parties. I
really hope that the game is at least as good as the commercials normally are.
With that said, lets move on with this month’s tasks and ideas.
Now would be a
good time to finish cleaning, sharpening, and oiling your yard tools. Check the
handles of all of your yard tools to make sure they are not broken,
splintering, or otherwise dangerous, and replace those that are. Also, make
sure that your wheelbarrow is sturdy and your lawnmower, roto-tiller, and
string trimmer are in good working condition and ready to start on the first
pull this spring. Another cold weather job is cleaning up any containers or planters
that you have stored away. While doing this, make a list of the flowers that
you are going to need for these containers in the spring.
If
the weather warms up enough to be able to go outside and work, look for winter
damage as well as damage done to your plants by hungry critters. You can also
begin some of the spring cleanup tasks at this time. Remove all those leaves
that have blown in from your neighbor’s yard and accumulated around your
shrubs. Cut back any perennials that you may not have gotten to last fall.
Are
you thinking of using wood ashes in your garden? Be careful. A measured
application can be beneficial to increase the soil pH and add potassium, but an
over-application can increase the likelihood of soil related problems. Wood
ashes should not come into contact with germinating seedlings or plant roots,
since they may cause root damage. Ashes that settle on foliage can cause
burning. Do not use ashes around plants that prefer acid soils such as blueberries,
hollies and azaleas. Never use more than 20 pounds of wood ash per 1,000 square
feet, as toxicity problems could result from excessive usage.
You
can still safely prune most deciduous trees and shrubs now, but remember to
stay away from any of the spring flowering trees and shrubs. If you trim them
now, you will not have any flowers this spring.
Towards the end of the month, you
can start cutting back any and all of the ornamental grasses in your landscape.
You can also edge your planting beds and get them ready for mulching.
If
the weather does not warm up enough for you to get any outside work done this
month, do not despair, you can find help by contacting your local landscape
provider. If at any time you feel overwhelmed with the tasks you have to
complete in your landscape, call someone for help.
We
are approaching March, what I call the foundation month. All the work that you
do in March sets the foundation for a successful or unsuccessful year of gardening
and enjoying your landscape. Remember, February is your chance to get a head
start on March. Take advantage of any warm days we get at this time. Anything
you can get done this month will be one less thing you have to do in March.
Therefore, there is a lot to embrace and enjoy in the
garden… see you next time.
Sandi Hillermann McDonald
