VEGETABLES
* Check your seed supply before ordering more. Seeds more than a couple of years old should probably be replaced. Do a germination test if in doubt.
* Start your garden plan on paper as you browse garden catalogs. Review last year's notes or memories for what worked and how much was too much.
* If you have any winter vegetables in a greenhouse or under plastic, remember to vent on sunny days to prevent overheating.
* If the soil is dry enough to work, go ahead and prepare a spot for a late February planting.
* English and edible pea pods, spinach, kale, and a few other cold-hardy crops can be planted late February through March.
* Mow or cut back cover crops and turn whenever the soil isn't too wet to work.* This is an excellent time to plant the asparagus bed. Thorough bed preparation is important.
Learn more about getting an
asparagus bed started
Check out the Western North Carolina Planting Calendar for
Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs
ORNAMENTALS
* Cut back ornamental grasses as well as liriope and mondo grass.* Clean up dead stems and grasses in the perennial garden.
* If you didn't get all the spring bulbs planted before, try to get them in now. Sort through and discard any that are soft.
* Water recently planted evergreens, including live christmas trees. Evergreen plants can dry out during sunny winter days.
* Inspect houseplants for insects such as spider mites, scale and whiteflies. Treat as needed.
* Spray dormant oil, especially if you have had a mite or scale problem. Wait for daytime temperatures to reach 45 degrees and are not predicted to drop below freezing for 24 hours.
* Check landscape beds for winter weeds. Pull bittercress and chickweed before they flower.
* Many varieties of shrubs can be pruned back severely to renovate old or overgrown growth. Late February or March is the best time to do this.
* Evergreen shrubs can be pruned. Keep in mind that needled evergreens will not resprout if cut back into old wood or beyond the needles.
FRUIT
*Mature apple and pear trees can be pruned. Wait until March to prune young fruit trees, peaches and plums.
* Again spray dormant oil, especially if you have had a mite or scale problem.
* Plant fruit trees, grapes and brambles.
* Prune grape vines and highbush blueberries.
* Apply fresh mulch on blueberries to keep shallow roots cool and weed free.Learn more about
Disease Susceptibility of Common Apple Cultivars
LAWNS
* Tune up and sharpen the mower along with other equipment and hand tools.
*Now is a good time for the spring application of a slow-release lawn fertilizer. Be sure to sweep fertilizer from walks and driveways to prevent runoff into storm drains.
* If you have bare spots, late February and early March are good times to overseed.
* Consider making changes to your lawn this coming season to reduce maintenance costs and time. Tolerate some diversity for instance. Many weeds provide important resources for pollinators - especially early spring bloomers.More Information on Good Practices for Lawn Care
Tall Fescue Lawn Maintenance Calendar
Turf - Truth and Transformation video
This video reviews recommended lawn care practices, new developments and alternatives that minimize input and impact while maximizing benefits.OTHER
* Clean out birdhouses and set up new ones. Bluebirds and some other songbirds start scouting for spring nesting boxes
* Clean out and organize the garden storage area. Check tools and equipment before you need them. Brush dirt from shovels and hard rakes and apply a light oil to prevent rust.
