Your Flowers: January/February 2010

January - Possumhaw Holly

Plant native trees to conserve water, attract wildlife and beautify your landscape. Possumhaw holly is a native shrub/tree that grows up to 15 feet high. When female possumhaws lose their leaves, bright red or orange berries ornament the barren limbs. The berries are eaten by birds and other wildlife including opossum, hence the common name, possumhaw. (The berries are poisonous to humans.)

PLANTING AND SOWING
Winter is the time to transplant mature trees and shrubs. It is best if they are root pruned in the fall.
Seeds for warm-season annuals can be planted in flats. They will require bright light and warm temperatures (60-70 degrees). Peppers and tomatoes can be planted from seed mid month. Use grow lights for best success.
Sow snap peas and plant onions directly into your garden.
Tulip and hyacinth bulbs that have been chilled for eight weeks should be planted immediately after removing from the refrigerator.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING
Apply a liquid root stimulator monthly to newly planted trees and shrubs.
Now is the best time to prune oak trees and other shade trees to remove lower limbs and dead branches and to maintain their natural shape.
Peach and plums trees should be pruned to keep their “bowl” shape and remove water sprouts.

THIS AND THAT
Select and order bulbs for planting later in the year.
This is a good time to have your soil tested in your vegetable garden, flower garden and lawn. Contact an Ellis County Master Gardener or your County AgriLife Office for the necessary collection and mailing supplies or for more information.
Plan what you will plant or do in your garden this year such as vegetable, flowers, container combinations or any landscape improvements.
Repair and/or tune up your lawn mower and any other power equipment.

GARDEN WATCH
Remove broadleaf weeds such as clover, dandelions, henbit and chickweed in lawns and beds by hand. You can also spot spray large areas with a broadleaf weed killer when temperatures are above 70 degrees. Read and follow the label carefully on any pesticide before using.

EARTHKIND™ TIPS FOR JANUARY:
Healthy soils are essential in urban landscapes. Organic matter additions can transform poor soils into a fertile growth medium that supports healthy plant growth while reducing water and fertilization requirements.

February - Texas Bluebells

Texas native wildflowers add color and interest to gardens, yards and fields from early spring to late fall. To ensure blooms the following year, mowing should be halted till the seeds have formed and dropped to the ground. Typically, native wildflower seeds are planted in the fall. However, because winters may be too dry or glacial, you may want to replant in February or March. Remember, seed to soil contact is required for germination.

PLANTING AND SOWING
Sow cool-season vegetable seeds directly into well-prepared garden rows. Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale and potatoes should be planted four weeks before the last average frost date, which is March 15 in Ellis County. Lettuce, radishes, carrots, spinach, beets, chard and turnips should be planted two to four weeks prior.
Container and bare root roses can be planted this month.
Plant blackberries, fruit and nut trees. Contact the Ellis County AgriLife Extension office for the best varieties.
Plant gladiolus corms and cool-season annuals, such as petunias (4” pots), snapdragons, Iceland poppies, larkspur, ornamental chard and English daisies.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING
Prune bush roses on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Prune back to the ground old, dead and weak canes. If necessary, don’t hesitate to use hedge trimmers before using hand shears or loppers. Fertilize with compost or aged manure. Leave four to eight vigorous canes, removing one-half of their growth above an outward-facing bud. Prune climbing or leaning roses later after their blooming period. It’s OK to prune errant canes to retain shape of the plant.
Cut or mow liriope before tips of new growth emerge. Cut back old foliage of ornamental grasses to the ground; cut Mexican feather grass only if needed. Division and transplanting of large clumps of warm-season ornamental grasses can be done now.

THIS AND THAT
Dig, divide and transplant fall-blooming perennials such as asters, mums, Mexican bush sage and Mexican mint marigolds (tarragon).
Cover tender plants with landscape fabric in case of frost or freeze.

GARDEN WATCH
Begin controlling insects and diseases of fruit and nut trees. Spraying is essential for a successful harvest. Contact an Ellis County Master Gardener or your County AgriLife Office for a copy of the “Homeowners Fruit and Nut Spray Schedule.”

EARTHKIND™ TIPS FOR FEBRUARY:

Native plants, while being adapted to local climate and soils, also support populations of native birds, beneficial insects and other animals, thus promoting a healthy community of organisms.