Even though we’re officially in winter months, plants and gardens can still benefit greatly from a bit of care. In this issue, we’ll share a few tips for what you should be doing in the garden and around your house during February.
We’ve had more than our fair share of rain in San Diego recently, but wait until we’ve had about 2-3 consecutive weeks without rain before you turn your irrigation system back on.
We’ve had a few chilly nights lately so you may want to leave your frost protection on. Once you remove it though, you should feel safe pruning away any damaged stems and leaves. Once you’ve done that, make the most out of the pruned items by composting them.
Grapevines can be pruned back to just one or two side branches, also known as “laterals.” Each side of the branches should be shortened down to just one or two nodes.
If your shrubs, trees or perennials have begun to form flower buds, pruning should be avoided. If you do decide to prune, you’re only cutting off fruits and flowers from future growth cycles.
When the weather begins to warm just a bit more, you should fertilize apple and pear trees as well as grape vines and shrubs as they begin their spring growth.
Be sure to use a granular or liquid organic fertilizer, and to follow the directions on the label carefully.
The winter rains and the warmer temps are precious fuel for weeds. It’s important to pull weeds out by the roots before they seed.
If it grows, we love it. If you’re not quite sure what to plant this fall or if you’re stumped for ideas on how to refurb your landscaping, we’re here to help.
Call the Juniper Landscape Company at 619-334-9464.