February tasks

Cabin fever. It strikes many of us this time of year... but for us gardeners, we can't let it overrun our sense of timing. It's not time to start seeds yet... but there are a few things we can do during the warmer days that will get us outside and our fingers in the dirt.

Check on perennial plants. During this time of year, the topsoil will expand and contract nearly daily. This can expose root systems close to the top, and can kill your plants. Take a walk around your yard and garden... cover any exposed root systems with a layer of protective soil. Although many books and websites suggest laying mulch down during February, the strong winds we can expect over the next two months in the high desert may blow away lighter material.

Mid-February is a favored time for cutting back deciduous trees, roses, and many other bushes... but again, knowledge is key. Take the time to examine the micro-climate of your garden and yard. Established bushes located in older neighborhoods, which usually have the protection of larger trees, can be cut back sooner than those newly planted or in newer neighborhoods. For these, I suggest waiting until the first or second week in March, after the coldest weather has passed.

Now is the time to take cuttings to propagate new hardwood plants and trees, while they're still dormant with no obvious signs of active growth. Hardwood cuttings are used most often for deciduous shrubs but can be used for many evergreens. Examples of plants propagated at the hardwood stage include forsythia, privet, fig, grape, and spirea. Use the straight, mallet, or heel techniques for your cuttings.

Time to turn the compost! As soon as they're thawed, you should turn all of the compost, EXCEPT for the worm bins... don't disturb them until all danger of frost has passed. Hopefully you started a new bin or pile last October and have been working with that one through the winter. If you didn't, you might want to pare off the top layer of the pile and start the new one with it before you turn the older pile. Freezing temperatures will help break down cellular structure of the compost, which is why during the summer we keep kitchen scraps in a coffee can in the freezer for a few days before dumping it onto the pile.

As soon as the ground can be worked, you should be preparing your plots for spinach, broccoli, and peas. These cold-loving veggies can be started three to six weeks earlier than most others.
Don't start your other seeds too early, though. Now is the time to get your greenhouse or indoor planting area ready and clear your schedule... spring is on its way!