Southern California Coastal & Inland Valleys
February, 2009
Regional Report
Last Artichoke, Asparagus, and Rhubarb Plantings
Transplant the last artichoke and asparagus crowns and rhubarb rhizomes. Continue to transplant broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, horseradish, kale, leeks, lettuce, onions, peas, and spinach.
Which Carrots?
When choosing carrot varieties, consider the heaviness of your soil -- sow short stubby carrots in heavy clay soils, and longer tapered ones in looser sandy soil. Tips of the tap roots will grow four to six inches further down than the edible portion.
Trimming Fuchsias
Gently trim fuchsias to shape them before they break into leaf. However, hold off on heavy pruning until after they've completely leafed out later this spring, to be certain you're not clipping off more than was damaged by frost (if you had any) or is otherwise dead.
Finger-Pruning Roses
As roses send out new shoots, snap off the ones facing the interior of the plant to provide good air circulation as foliage increases. Cut off any branches that now appear spindly, to redirect growth to the strong ones.
Gentle Feeding for the Whole Season
Feed ground covers, shrubs, roses, perennials, and trees with slow-release food (compost, bone meal, cottonseed meal, blood meal, or well-rotted manure) to provide plants with consistent and gradual nutrition throughout the season.
