Moving And Transplanting Trees With A Tree Spade
Moving of large trees and shrubs should be finished this month – February. Always take as much of the root system undamaged as possible. Be certain the hole for the plant is large enough to receive all of the root system without crowding. February is the best time for planting new roses or transplanting old ones.
Soil preparation of the vegetable garden can be started this month. Begin by turning under the winter mulch material before it blows away. Soil that is turned now is able to absorb the rainfall that usually comes in February and March, and resists the loss of top soil by wind erosion which can easily occur and usually does next month. By adding other humus and some commercial fertilizer as the soil is prepared, the nutrients will be available when the season opens up.
Feed the pansies for another flush of growth and bloom – use five pounds of cottonseed meal to 100 square feet of bed space and work it into the top of the soil. Check the water and feeding facilities for the birds and make your garden attractive for them now as they will forage on many of the early stages of the awakening insects in the garden. Hotbeds and cold frames should be readied for early spring plantings. In the hotbeds, investigate electric coil heating instead of manure for heat. The temperature of these structures should stabilize at 60∞ before seeds are sown. Bulbs for forcing for Easter should be brought in now and started. Avoid unnecessary traffic on winter lawns as a great deal of damage can be done.
This is the last call for the dormant oil sprays on deciduous plants. Remember that scale insects can be transported on the feet of birds and the scale should be killed before spring growth begins. It may be necessary to get professional help with power equipment in order to do the job as it should be.
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