Keven Pauling
Plant tomatoes, bare root trees and plants. Mid-February is the time to plant tomatoes. There’s still a chance for frost, so be sure to cover them with a frost cover or inexpensive sheets, which can be found at Goodwill. This is also the time to plant bare root trees (apples, apricots, peach and plum) and plants.
Plant herbs and vegetables. Culinary herbs, such as cilantro, dill, fennel and parsley (which also attract butterflies), as well as vegetables such as beets, carrots, green onions, lettuce, peas, radishes, spinach and turnips are fast-producing plants that still have time to produce a late crop.
Trim and feed roses. Trim roses back by two thirds, if you haven’t already, and start to fertilize them, feeding every six weeks. This will set your roses up perfectly for the peak April bloom.
Feed citrus trees. The longer you leave the fruit on the trees, the sweeter it will be.
Prune. Hold off until mid-February to prune dead or frozen branches off lantanas and bougainvillea. Look closely and most likely you will see leaves sprouting already. These new shoots are super tender to frost, so pruning now will take away what little protection they have. Pruning also stimulates new growth, not something we necessarily want to encourage until we are sure the danger of frost is over.
Control insects. Watch for aphids on new growth, especially on dwarf oleanders. They are easily deterred with a mixture of soap and water, although more stubborn ones may need something stronger like tobacco juice or even a mild pesticide, if you must. Scan this code or go to http://youtu.be/5yAGjS-iOm0 to watch a video on how to make my special bug spray.
One last thought: Do you have trouble keeping your barbecue clean? Me too! This priceless tip will keep your stainless steel appliances looking like new. Scan this code or go to http://youtu.be/iirUdYjFJ10.