February:The Valley will still see cold nights during February, which can result in the occasional frost. Keep in mind that the forecasted temperature comes from Sky Harbor Airport, so the outlying parts of the Valley can be 10°F cooler. Be prepared to cover frost-tender plants.
Bug talk:If you’re seeing aphids on your plants, the best control against them is their natural predators, such as lacewings and praying mantis. Acquaint yourself with these insects, and if present, do not use insecticides. If those predators aren’t there, try hosing the aphids off with a forceful spray of water. This will help you gain control. A couple drops of dish soap in a spay bottle of water can also be very effective.
Grass:· Bermuda will begin to turn green when nighttime lows reach about 65 degrees.
· Ryegrass should be watered about once or twice a week depending on the weather. Bermuda grass needs water about once a month.
Trees/Shrubs:· Fertilize fruit, nut and shade trees, shrubs and vines.
· Pecan trees and grape vines need a zinc rich fertilizer to help them produce their best.
· Now is to shape your citrus trees, but only do it if you must. Normally there is no need to prune citrus like regular fruit trees. Try to let the citrus foliage grow to about knee high. The best fruit is produced on the lower two thirds of the tree so raising the skirt reduces the amount of the fruit you will get.
· Clean out dead wood.
· Don’t prune until new growth appears.
Flowers:· Prepare your flowerbeds for spring gardens.
· Remove faded or spent blooms to freshen up your flowerbed.
· Bare-root roses should be in the ground this month, the earlier the better.
· Begin fertilizing established roses with granular fertilizers during the second week of February.
· Clean out dead and/or diseased wood in roses to discourage insects and disease.
Vegetables: · Plant beans, beets, bok choy, carrots, Swiss chard, cucumbers, leaf lettuce, melons, mustard, onions, peas, potatoes, radishes, spinach, sunflowers, turnips, watermelons, Martha Washington asparagus (roots or crowns) seeds.
· Plant transplants: artichokes, asparagus, chard, kohlrabi, lettuce, onion, peppers and tomatoes.
· Prepare your soil for a spring/summer garden. Organic matter, mulch, manure or compost is very important.
· Fertilize your vegetable gardens.
Don't List for February:1. Never remove more than 1/4 of the total plant when you’re pruning. Always use sharp, sterile, quality pruning tools and disinfect them between cuts to prevent the spread of disease.
2. Don't cheat on soil preparation for flowers and vegetables.
3. Don't fertilize dormant Bermuda grass until late April or May.
4. Don't plant roses with western exposure because of the afternoon summer heat.
5. Too much fertilizer can cause salt burn and too little can cause nutrient deficiency problems. Water both the day before and immediately after applying granular fertilizers.
6. Don't fertilize mature trees near the trunk. Fertilize the outer two thirds of the ground of the leaf canopy where the most active roots are.
7. Don't water grass at night when the temperatures are coolest as this fosters the growth of fungal diseases.
8. Don't mow when grass is wet. This also may result in fungal disease.
9. Don't delay on weed control. Handle weeds while they are young, tender, and their roots are manageable, or before they sprout.
10. Don't use a pre-emergent in an area where you are going to plant veggies and flowers from seed. It will prevent seeds from germination. It will not affect transplants.
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Information provided by about.com
