Being one of the hottest months of the year, February is one of the main harvest periods and it’s all about reaping the rewards of what you have sown and planted. It’s important to keep an eye on watering at this time and keep the soil moist to prevent plants from wilting. February is the time to prepare the vege garden for winter crops.
GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS
AURATUM LILIES, DAHLIAS, GLADIOLI, ERICAS, FUCHSIAS, HYDRANGEAS, HIBISCUS, LANTANAS, EVERGREEN MAGNOLIAS AND BOUGAINVILLEAS.
ORNAMENTAL GARDEN
Prune
Complete summer pruning of ornamental trees. Trim ornamental hedges such as abelia, photinia and golden privet to encourage attrative young growth. Prune hardy evergreens. Trim excess shoots from vigorous climbers, such as Clematis montana, and tie in the rest. Cut back growth of Iris unguicularis (stylosa) by half and comb out dead growth. This encourages good flowering while discouraging slugs and snails.
Plant
Remove ageing summer annuals to the compost heap and revitalise beds with compost. Any of the following may be seeded directly into borders: alyssum, antirrhinum, calendula, candytuft, cornflower, clarkia, dianthus, hollyhock, larkspur, linum, mignonette, poppy, russell lupin, scabious, stock, seetpea, virginian stock, viola and wallflower.
Watch for
Late summer attacks by aphids, thrips and looper caterpillars, also black spot, rust and powdery mildew.
EDIBLE GARDEN
Plant
Broccoli (late), cabbages (flower of spring, savoy, winter and spring hybrids), cauliflowers (spring), celery (plants), lettuce (winter), radishes, spring onions.
Prune
Complete pruning of stone fruit. Remove excess foliage from grapevines to expose ripening fruit to the sun.
Fertilise
Give two fortnightly doses of liquid fertiliser to dahlias and chrysanthemums.
Things to do
Mulch and water to keep up moisture and defeat weeds in vegetable beds and around citrus trees. Shade new plantings from hot sun. If growth flags, boost with a liquid feed. Harvest mid-season apples and remaining stone fruit. Lift and store before frosts, pumpkins, winter squashes and melons. Pick when skin is dry and store only undamaged fruits.
Watch for
Aphids (including woolly aphis), vegetable bug, looper caterpillars, pear/plum/cherry slug, tomatoes blight, celery spot, rust, powdery mildew.
GARDEN MAINTENANCE
Watering
Make every drop count by putting water on slowly, directing it where it is most needed. (Give prioty to newly planted shrubs and trees and bedding plants.) Conserve moisture in the soil with thick organic mulches.
Lawn care
Where the lawn has been allowed to become dormant, no attention is needed. Watered lawns will need cutting occasionally with the mower set slightly higher setting. Where plenty of moisture is available encourage healthy growth with a liquid lawn feed.
Rose care
Do not let bushes suffer dryness. Keep well mulched and watch for pests or diseases. Cut back shoots to a strong bud after flowering, except if the weather turns colder.
Things to do
Continue to deadhead in borders and smother small weeds with handfuls of mulch. Remember to trim around the edges.
Need assistance
Please get in touch with the team at Lawn King.
