February — February

For great winter and early spring fragrance, plant Daphne odora, Sarcococca and Clematis armandi (evergreen).

Spring-blooming perennials can be planted now.

Plant edible and flowering peas as early as possible. Soil needs to be well drained, since peas can rot easily. Plant onions if soil is dry enough or drains well.

Continue to plant bare root material, amending the hole with 1/2 of the original soil amount being substituted with a quality Rexius compost.

Mow only if possible – Great time to check mower blades and have them sharpened. It is important that grass blades are cut rather than torn.

Bring budded flowering branches inside to force into early Spring color.

Treat your pruned roses to guard against fungal disease and insect damage.

Fertilize your roses and blueberries around the drip line with 1/2 cup Epsom salts and 1/2 cup alfalfa meal or pellets. This promotes budding and produces more canes for fruit and flowers.

Hard prune your tea and shrub roses. Selective pruning is only needed on climbers and ramblers but best done after flowering has finished in late spring.