Late Winter (February) Tasks: Pruning and Preparing for Spring Growth

It doesn't always feel like spring is just around the corner, but it is! Traditionally, Valentine’s Day marks the start of springtime in Austin. As we all know, there is still a chance for freezing temperatures, so be prepared to cover your plants, if needed. Use the rest of this month to begin preparing your garden and landscape for spring. We recommend: 

• Pruning: It's a great time to prune trees, shrubs and perennials. Be aware that there are several different rules of thumb for different types of plants so speak to an arborist, nursery, your gardener, or the world wide web before chopping away! Pruning helps revitalize perennials for a flush of spring growth and controls the size and shape of shrubs and trees.

  
  

• Frost Protection: When the temps drop, be sure you cover any tender plants such as vegetables and tropical plants to protect from a freeze. 

  
  

• Fertilize: We suggest spraying with a seaweed extract once or twice this month. Seaweed helps plants deal with the stress of changing temperatures, without encouraging new growth which can be easily damaged by frost.

  
  

• Mulch: Now that you've cut back all of your perennials, take the time to spread mulch in your beds before the weeds start to take over.