Happy Gardening February

Delightful weather, cold and hot, breezy and muggy. A little tricky when it comes to staying healthy and keeping your plants that way too. When it is cold we could throw on a sweatshirt. With your plants it's 3 inches of mulch. This is a recommendation from the Univ. of Fl. and the Cooperative Extension Service. The mulch actually keeps soil moist, and raises the temperature too. I went to Gene Joyner's Tropical Acres in West Palm; he's got mulch so deep, it's beyond belief. I would say 8-12 inches in places. Of course mulch should never be thrown up against a plant, one should leave a ring of space around each planting.

If you're still fortunate to have a big tree in your yard, you may want to consider having it pruned now. Most things aren't growing much right now. Consider having any broken branches that are caught up in the tree cut out and removed. It'll be safer when we experience any winds later on this yr. If you cut now, the spring flush will make your tree more attractive.

Don't forget this cooler weather is the perfect opportunity to repair things out doors. It's always a good time to mulch. Prune trees and palms and remove any dead wood. Seal or caulk windows and doors. Maybe a new coat of paint. Don't forget to get a form for approval.

Since we are in winter, it isn't necessary to keep greening your lawn. Look for weed and feed products with a low first number, which represents Nitrogen. A 16 or 18 is plenty. Remember if you are going to use a weed and feed product, your irrigation system will need to be operational. Look for a product that kills more than just dollar weed...tic seed, and spurges are a few of the more common afflictions in Fl. lawns. One other thing to keep in mind, PALMS are very similiar to blades of grass in structure. One should never put a weed and feed on or around a palm. Unless you want to lose the palm.

While we're speaking of irrigation, let me mention that this spring may be dry. At least that is what the Farmers Almanac says. Get your irrigation running. In the winter once or twice a week is good, 15 minutes a zone. If your using a sprinkler that is attached to a hose please note that it should run 2-3 times longer for each zone. Don't forget if we are lucky enough to get a good (rain), a soaking, then you needn't water for a few days. I've got 6 zones on my property and my zone changer housing thing just cracked. It cost just under $400. to call someone in and replace it. It'll be worth it down the road knowing when there is no rain, that I've got a system I can rely on.

DON'T do any major pruning on plants at this time of year. WHY?
If we should have a freeze and you have just cut back a plant, the die back from the freeze may kill the plant.

This Mar. and April be ready to fertilize. I'm thinking March may come in like a lamb and go our like a lion. You can fertilize at any time. A slow release fertilizer, one with micro-nutrients is good to use. Never on top of the plant, or at its base. Throw it around like chicken feed, no clumps or piles..and remember a low Nitrogen level..otherwise you'll be out there cutting green, and more green forever.

Happy Gardening
Joy Schwartz
Any questions about your yard or need help, please call. 994-1346

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