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Perennials, Annuals and Vegetables
Primroses have arrived! Can spring not be far behind? Treat yourself to some of these knockout colors to cheer up borders and containers. But beware — slugs love primroses too, along with the tender new growth of those bulbs and other plants that has been starting to appear. We recommend 'Worry Free' granules (not harmful to pets and birds).
And, speaking of bulbs (and tubers and corms, oh my) turn your thoughts toward summer and early autumn just long enough to come to the nursery and take advantage of our huge selection of summer beauties! We will have gladiolas, dahlias, iris, lilies, crocosmia, and so very many more by mid-month! Plus we're including some spring favorites like Anemones and Lily-Of-The-Valley. And, if this weren't enough, you will also find an enticing assortment of bare-root perennials.
If you missed last fall's selection of spring-blooming bulbs, we have a cheery assortment of crocus, daffodils, tulips and hyacinths, all potted up and in bloom and ready to enjoy (and add into your garden when their bloom is finished).
It's time to plant peas, both ornamental and edible varieties. "Peas by Presidents' Day," goes the old saying. You can also start Spinach and other greens later this month, though wait on lettuce unless you have a cold frame or other means of protection.
While you're out in the vegetable garden, you can top the garlic bed with chicken manure, which will be broken down and working into the soil by the time the plants' spring growth begins in earnest.
Before your plants start leafing and filling out into their spring wardrobe, it's the easiest time to put a thin layer of mulch around them. Much easier, too, to dig up and divide those late-season bloomers now.
The Hellebores are really starting to put on their show of rich and sophisticated colors. To show off these early flowers, cut most or all the leaves back to the ground (many of the leaves are probably showing damage from the winter weather, anyway). After bloom, a new flush of foliage will appear. If you don't yet have enough of these most elegant plants (is that possible?) stop by the nursery and check the selection. But be quick, these go fast once they start to bloom, they're so irresistible!
Plan for starting seeds indoors soon. The official last average frost date is 4/15, and many seed packets tell you to start them indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost...right about now. Nothing gives a gardener's spring fever a jump-start like seeing the fresh green of a new seedling emerge....
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Lawn Care
If moss is a problem, we recommend Lily Miller's Moss Out or Super Rich With Moss Control products.
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Trees, Shrubs and Fruit
This is the month to give your shrub roses their major pruning. For climbers, make sure any leaves that didn't fall on their own are removed and discarded. Follow up with a good feeding. Whitney Farm's Rose and Flower food is a good choice to get them started on the season.
Been thinking about berry pies, making your own wine, canning pears? Our selection of small fruits and fruit trees is almost at its peak, as this year's selection arrives this month, so now is a good time to get these edibles and put them in the ground! Tempting cane berries and strawberries too (start a strawberry pot-we have an especially-nice selection of colorful, glazed strawberry pots currently on hand, along with the more traditional terra cotta).
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Indoor Plants
Wash the leaves of indoor plants and check / treat for pests and diseases. If you suspect you have a problem, bring a sample to our Info Desk. We carry a full line of safe products for houseplants and tropicals.
It's time to think about repotting (do yours look like they're wearing too-tight shoes?) Give those cramped plants some space, but not too much — only increase one inch in the diameter of pot size. Use a good-quality potting soil suitable for the plant (Whitney Farms carries an all-purpose potting soil as well as special blends for African Violets, Orchids, Cactus and Bonsai).
Orchids and houseplants make great Valentine gifts (hint, hint)!
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General Tips
February is a real Get Ready month: Clean, plan, prepare. Spring is not too far away, but there is still plenty that can be done to get ready.
Be sure to not do any digging or planting if the ground is still too wet or saturated. Cover any area with plastic to give it a chance to dry out a bit before digging or planting. This is especially easy with raised beds.
Dig in any wintered-over cover crops.
Continue to keep your bird feeders and birdbaths clean and filled. If you have a suet feeder, now is the perfect time to put it out.
If you have an uncovered pond full of leaves, time to clean it out...and think about using mosquito dunks to keep those pests under control.
Replant window boxes with small conifers, heather, pansies, and other hardy treasures for early spring enjoyment.
Treat yourself to some garden inspiration — go to one or both of the garden shows in Portland this month, take your camera and take your notebook to jot down ideas!
Portland Nursery offers lighting supplies for indoor gardening and seed starting by Sun Systems — and their catalog on hand for easy ordering of those more unusual items not on hand.
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