Wednesday, March 10, 2010

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Tasks for February By Oscar Philips: February is one of the dormant months when pruning of shrubs for shape and size and the removal of dead, diseased or damage branches is carried out. Roses: Complete the pruning of your rose bushes and seal all cuts with pruning paint or sealant. Remove all dead leaves that have fallen on the ground. This is the month to apply a lime-sulphur fungicidal spray during this dormant period. Continue to feed your rose plants with a good granular fertilizer containing a mix of 8-12--4 with a systemic insecticide as part of its formula. Flowers and bulbs: Clean and prepare seed trays and pots for planting. Transplant seedlings to small pots or cell packs when first-time leaves appear. Divide summer and fall blooming perennials. Cut back all tall and leggy plants and hedges. Prune and trim your trees for size and shape and seal all wounds with pruning paint or seal. Continue to mulch your plants in order to provide moisture to the roots. Gladiolus, gloxinias, cannas, caladium and dahlias. Flowering trees — shrubs and hedges: Continue to prune overgrown trees and shrubs. Prune to open up the tree to light and air which prevents the build-up of pests and diseases. Vegetables and herbs: Continue sowing of seeds. Thin and transplant herb seedlings to small pots and harden them off before planting out. As you put your seedlings out you should protect them from slugs and snails. Lawns: Continue to fertilize your lawn and fill in bare spots. Continue to carry out your weed control. If there is no rainfall, give your lawn a good soaking. Fruit trees: Continue your insect spraying program for citrus, mango and avocado trees. Fertilize these plants with a granular fertilizer and water thoroughly. Propagation: This is an excellent month to air-layer plants and take cuttings of hardwood shrubs and evergreens. Remember to seal all plant wounds. Watch for: Insects and pests. Aphids, white flies, cutworms and black army worms. To control, spray with an insecticide containing Diazinon, Malathion, 50, Sevin or Othene Systemic Insect Spray adding the spreader-sticker of two teaspoons of dish washing liquid to one gallon of water. Slugs and snails: Look out for these pests that will attack your young plants or seedlings. To control, use a good reputable bait that can withstand rains and watering and should be protected from pets and young children. PLANTING GUIDE FOR FEBRUARY VEGETABLES: Beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn celery collard, cucumber, eggplant, onion, parsley, peas, pumpkin, peppers, potatoes, radish, spinach, Swiss chard, tomato, turnip and watermelon. FLOWERS: Ageratum, alyssum, African daisy, aster, begonia, balsam, calendula, candyturf, celosia, carnation, cornflower, dianthus, delphinium, gaillardia, gerber, hollyhock, larkspur, lupine, marigold, nasturtium, pansy, petunia, phlox, salvia, shasta daisy, snapdragon, stock, sweet pea, sweet william, verbena and vinca. GRASSES: Bahia, Centipede Grass and Zoysia Grass. Tuesday February 09, 2010