It is fun to sit and contemplate the planning of a garden for the coming year. Many times we are anxious to get out and get going,which is great because there are a few things that need to be done while plants are still dormant. Here is the short list of things to be done in the garden right now. Of course I live in the PNW where the ground is not covered with snow but many of these things can be done weather permitting. They should be done before ‘bud break’ (when color shows on buds).
Here’s what you can be doing in the garden right now…
PRUNING FRUIT TREES
Now is a great time to check out the structure and get rid of waterspouts and crossing branches. I prune all fruit trees now with the exception of cherry and apricot trees (prunus species). These trees are usually pruned in the summer after fruiting because they are more susceptible to cankers and infection in the winter. Great advice on pruning fruit trees is available from RHS Gardening book “Pruning and Training”. In fact this book is great for pruning almost every shrub I have ever encountered. Take a look at our Fear of Gardening post for more information on pruning.
SPRAYING FRUIT TREES
This is also the time to spray horticultural oil on fruit trees. In Washington state we have a problem with apple codling moth. This pest is prevalent throughout the state because of the massive amounts of old abandoned apple trees and lack of control. Even if you don’t eat your apples you can still help with the control of these unwanted pests. Neem Oil is a naturally occurring pesticide that can help with control. This non-toxic oil helps to kill insects that are overwintering on fruit trees. Other things can be used at different times in the year but now is the time to spray with Neem Oil.
GARDEN TIDY
Cutting back grasses and cleaning up grounds is a good task for this month. Clean up and mulching now will help with weed control later in the year. I leave a pile of the dried grasses out of the compost heap for birds to use for fodder and nesting.
I also cut back the leaves from my hellebores and my epimediums right now. The sight of the blooms without the messy leaves has more drama than the blooms through the winter damaged leaves.
Check for insect or pest damage. I noticed that my crocus were being eaten. It is too early for slugs and snails so I suspect the rabbits that my neighbor ‘loves’ are to blame. I placed an inverted plant tray over the top of them so they have protection from munching. I will eventually have to add another couple to the stack so that as the leaves and blossoms come out they still have protection.
FORCED WINTER BULBS
I have several pots that I put bulbs in last fall that have been sitting outside ‘chilling’. Now is the time to bring those into a warmer place if you want them to bloom early. You can bring them into the greenhouse or sunny room. The warmth and the light will give them the illusion of spring and bring them up early.
Need help? Right now you can get $25 off a garden consultation or clean up service with Plantswoman Design when you mention this post. We know some of our blog followers aren’t in our neighborhood but that’s okay! We can meet over the phone and I can answer your questions, help you make a plan for spring and if necessary we can set up a video call. Email us at info[at]plantswomandesign[dot]com or call us at 206-842-2453.
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