January

Plant:

~ If you didn't get a chance in the fall, you can still plant spring flowering bulbs if weather permits. They will develope roots for the next growing season and bloom more fully in their second spring.

Pruning:

~ Improper pruning techniques are a major cause of tree damage. Frost, cracking, decay and bore entry are often results of cutting flush with the trunk.
~ First partially cut the underside of the branch several inches out from where the final cut will be. Next, cut the branch off at a convenient place beyond the first cut. Remove the stub by cutting flush to the edge of the collar.
~ Do not paint the wound.
~ Spring flowering plants are best pruned in the 2 weeks after the flowers fade. Summer flowering plants in winter.
~ Do not cut off chutes carrying flower buds.

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~ Sharpen all garden tools:
~ Sharp tools prevent tearing and cut cleanly.
~ If vacationing, place house plants in bathtub on tub mats in an inch of water. If there are just a few small plants, soak shoelaces in water (cut off tips) and place one end in water and the other in plant soil.

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February

Plant:

~ Bare root plants, dormant roses, fruit trees and Blueberries.

~ If you order and they arrive before you can plant, keep them in a cool location, a basement, garage or refrigerator. Keep moist by wrapping them in damp newspaper. Before planting, soak the roots overnight in water and prune away any broken ones, then plant as you would any tree or shrub.

Prune:

~ Branches of Crabapple, Forsythia, Peach, Plum, Pussywillow, Quince, Winter Jasmine, and Witch Hazel. Use branches to force buds for indoor blooms. Crush stem ends, strip lower leaves, mist branches, wrap in newspaper, or place in pale of water in cool room or garage with medium light. When buds show color, arrange branches and bring into home.