Timely Tips for February
Minimize pruning. Each cut is a wound to the plant, opening it up the insect and disease problems. Have a purpose and an end result in mind before you make the first cut. Never remove more than 1/4 of the total plant (this is true for turf as well). Always use sharp, sterile, quality pruning tools and disinfect them between cuts to prevent the spread of disease. Pruning is an art as well as a science. How much you cut off and where you choose to make the cuts will effect both the health and the beauty of the tree. Learn proper pruning techniques by attending pruning demonstrations or reviewing work books.
Video DemonstrationRainfall:Temperature (degrees F):
Average Low: 44.7 degrees
Highest Low: 65 degrees (1996)
Record Low: 24 degrees (1899, 1993)
Winter lawns may require once to twice per week watering depending on the weather.
After the first mowing, fertilize winter lawns with a high phosphate fertilizer like superphosphate, triple superphosphate, or a complete fertilizer that is 20% phosphorous or more by weight. Ammonium phosphate (16-20-0) is another option. Follow the application rates and directions on the label.
Identify and correct problems with winter laws quickly.
Prepare garden soil for Spring planting.
Plant Seeds
Plant Transplants
Finish pruning roses by the middle of the month.
Transplant bare root roses
Begin fertilizing established roses with granular fertilizers about the middle of the month. Remember to water the day before application and the day after.
Finish pruning deciduous fruit trees and grapes by the middle of the month.
Transplant bare root deciduous fruit trees. Select varieties which require less than 400 hours of chilling.
Fertilize deciduous fruit trees with nitrogen when they leaf out.
Prune frost sensitive citrus after it begins to leaf out with new spring growth.
Protect plants from frost damage if the temperature is projected to drop down in to the 20's for more than an hour.
Finish pruning nonnative deciduous shade trees, and grapes by the middle of the month.
Transplant bare root plants
Water at least once a month unless rains provide adequate moisture.
Control weeds while they are young, tender, and their roots are manageable, or before they sprout. Be sure to remove before they set seed. Remove London Rocket and other weeds in the mustard family now to prevent large populations of False Chinch bugs in April.
Winter watering schedules should be adjusted to about 1/3 of the summer frequency for deciduous and dormant plants, but water deeply each time. Growing flowers may require once to twice per week watering depending on the weather.
Prune frost sensitive plants like bougainvillea after they begin to leaf out with new spring growth.
Make plans for Arbor Day, April 25.
DO NOT prune frost sensitive plants, especially if they have been damaged by frost.
DO NOT fertilize frost sensitive plants.
DO NOT over water or over fertilize winter lawns as this will encourage rapid succulent growth which is vulnerable to fungal diseases.
DO NOT water turf at night. Moisture and cool temperatures invite fungal diseases.
DO NOT mow when turf is wet.
By wounding the plant (mowing) while it is wet you increase the likelihood of fungal infection. In addition, you increase the likelihood of
spreading the fungus on the tires of the mower and on your shoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Damage is Noticed on the Fruit
The stem end of citrus fruit is rotting after harvest
The blossom end of Navel oranges and occasionally tangelos are rotting.
Damage is Noticed on the Leaves
The needles on several branches of a pine tree are turning brown but staying attached to the tree
Leaves and stems are abnormally reddish or purple
Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green
Leaves of vegetables (particularly cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc.) being eaten by snails, slugs, cabbage loopers, or birds.
There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants
Citrus leaves are curled and/or the fruit is slightly scarred.
Damage is Noticed on the Stem or Trunk
There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plantsDamage is Noticed on the Roots
Cultural \ Environmental Questions
The needles on several branches of a pine tree are turning brown but staying attached to the tree
Leaves and stems are abnormally reddish or purple
Leaves are abnormally yellow but the veins are still green
Insect/Pest Questions
Leaves of vegetables (particularly cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc.) being eaten by snails, slugs, cabbage loopers, or birds.
There are lots of aphids, tiny insects, on my plants
Citrus leaves are curled and/or the fruit is slightly scarred.
Brown and white moths on Palo Verde trees
Disease Questions
The blossom end of Navel oranges and occasionally tangelos are rotting.
The stem end of citrus fruit is rotting after harvest
http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/feb-txt.htm