Dutch Iris

That brings buckets of February rain or drought conditions in Southern California, there is much to plant now for spring and summer gardens, said experts at Agromin, a manufacturer based in Oxnard local produce favorable to earth, made of recycled green material over 50 communities in Southern California.

Bulbs were: time to leave the summer bulbs in the refrigerator and plant them. These bulbs are tulips, crocus, gladiolus, calla lily, Caladium, amaryllis, daffodils and delphiniums. Spread planting gladioli and you get new flowers all summer. Some bulbs can be bought and planted without the chilling process and should be in stock in nurseries. They include Dutch iris, lilies, gladioli and begonias. The bulbs may begin to grow sooner if the winter is mild. Do not worry - growing bulbs can withstand cold and frost, even.

Last Chance to Plant Bare root trees: February is usually your last chance to buy and plant bare root trees, including roses. For existing roses, prune to encourage fuller growth in the spring. Use a sharp tool, start at the base of the bush and cut branches with an angle of 45 degrees, a quarter inch above a bud. Make sure the cuts are clean and not jagged. Try to open the center of the plant to allow light and air circulation. Remove dead limbs and branches scattered.

Deciduous: deciduous trees require cold temperatures during winter to produce flowers and fruit in spring and summer. These are deciduous trees such as poplars, birches, maples and oaks, and fruit trees including apricots, peaches, plums, apples, pears and cherries. If the rain is light in February, make sure the trees are well watered. Water is needed today so they can begin to produce leaves and flowers of Mars.

Pop in Color: Fill in the garden with plants bare spots of color already in spring flowers in pots quarter inch or four. Thoughts will last until summer. Violas and primroses, snapdragons, calendulas and primroses provide good winter and spring flowers.

Plant tomatoes: In warmer areas plant tomatoes indoor at the end of February. You can expect to see the fruits of Memorial Day.

Planting a garden with herbs: mild winters allow Southern California gardeners to begin planting herbs in February. Plant chives, coriander, dill, fennel, mint and parsley, although more rain is forecast.

Upgrading your garden equipment: equipment maintenance gardening is sometimes overlooked during the main growing months. Winter is a good time to clean and sharpen scissors and replace belts and oil in lawn mowers and lawn so that your tools are ready to go for spring.

 

For gardening tips, go to www.agromin.com.