Southern California Coastal & Inland Valleys
February, 2012
Regional Report
Last Chance to Plant Bareroot
This is the last month to plant bareroot fruit and nut trees, berries, grapes, and vines. Plant strawberries, as well, so they can grow well before the weather warms and they put out blossoms.
Feed Fruit Trees
Feed established deciduous fruit trees now, especially with micronutrients for excellently nuanced flavor, and water in well, so they'll have their "breakfast" and develop strongly once they wake up from their dormancy.
Prevent Sunburn in Winter
All that brilliant sun shining on bark unshaded by leaves is definitely a potential problem! To prevent sunburn damage, which invites borers and other critters, paint exposed trunks and large limbs with off-white matte interior latex paint mixed half and half with water.
Feed Everything!
Feed groundcovers, shrubs, roses, perennials, and trees with slow-release organic-based food (compost, bone meal, cottonseed meal, blood meal, or well-rotted manure) to provide plants with consistent and gradual nutrition as it breaks down throughout the season.
Keep Mowing Lawns
Slow growth doesn't mean mowing isn't needed. The grass will go into shock if more than 25 percent of its new growth is mowed at one time. Keep mower blades sharp - raggedly-cut grass blades die back and invite diseases.
