What to do in your garden in February - North California Checklist

Sunset, Feb, 2004

PLANTING

* Carrots in containers. Sunset climate zones 7-9, 14-17: It's difficult to grow long, straight carrots in the heavy, wet soil typical of early spring. To avoid these conditions, grow carrots in containers. For small carrots ('Thumbelina'), use a wide, shallow container (6-8 in. deep). For longer carrots, choose a container at least 12 inches deep. Fill the container with potting mix, add a timed-release or organic fertilizer, and soak the soil. Sow seeds thinly (mix with sand to help distribute them) and cover with a fine layer of mulch. Keep the soil moist (before seeds germinate, spray the soil very lightly to avoid disturbing them).

* Flowering cherries. Zones 7-9, 14-17: Plant several kinds for staggered bloom. EARLY-BLOOMING: Single pink 'Akebono'; double, dark pink 'Royal Burgundy' with purplish foliage; single, rosy pink Taiwan flowering cherry.

MIDSEASON: Bright pink 'Beni Hoshi'; double, rose pink 'Kwanzan'. LATE: Semi-double, light pink 'Shogetsu'.

* Flowering plants. Zones 7-9, 14-17: Nurseries should have a good selection of early spring-blooming shrubs and vines. Try azalea, camellia, Carolina jessamine, daphne, flowering quince, forsythia, hardenbergia, heath, primrose jasmine, or some types of viburnum.

* Lilacs. Zones 7-9, 14-17: These old-fashioned flowering shrubs bring a wonderfully sweet fragrance into the garden. Most nurseries carry them in containers this month, but you also may find some sold bare-root. In mildest climates (14-17), plant low-chill varieties such as 'Angel White', 'Blue Skies', 'Lavender Lady', or 'Sylvan Beauty'. If you can't find them at your local nursery, ask the nursery to order one for you from L.E. Cooke Co. or Monrovia (both are wholesale only).

MAINTENANCE

* Cut back fuchsias. Zones 7-9, 14-17: To stimulate new, lush growth, cut back woody stems to main branches, then remove interior twiggy and dead growth. Container fuchsias can be pruned back to the edge of the pot rim.

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* Recycle garden containers. Many nurseries reuse plastic flats and containers or return them to growers. Instead of throwing them out after setting out plants, ask your nursery if they take them back. If they don't, your local recycling center may take them.

PEST CONTROL

* Pick up old blossoms. Zones 7-9, 14-17: Azaleas and camellias are both prone to diseases called petal blight (caused by two different organisms). Brown lesions develop, and the flowers rot. Azalea flowers cling to the leaves or stems; camellias drop from the plant. The best way to control the diseases is to collect and discard infected blossoms and avoid overhead watering. Apply 4 inches of organic mulch beneath camellias to reduce spore survival.