It is the time of year when gardeners get a little tired of covering and uncovering their plants with frostcloth.
A number of cold-sensitive plants and trees are looking more than a little unhappy with their damaged, brown leaves.
The urge to cut away all the rolled, crinkled, bronzed leaves and branches can be overwhelming.
Last week we experienced record-breaking cold, and there may possibly be more to come.
Because the average last frost date for our area is March 15, pruning damaged plants is not recommended at this time.
Those ugly brown leaves can actually help protect roots and new growth from any cold spells during the next few weeks.
February is a time of patience, waiting for the danger of late season frosts to pass.
Don't let warm days suggest it is time to put the frost coverings away.
Continue to be prepared to protect any cold-sensitive plants on nights the temperature suddenly dips.
Among garden chores for this month, keep up the care of colorful annuals with a monthly application of fertilizer.
Those in containers can be fertilized with a water-soluble general solution every other week.
If using time-release fertilizer, remember that it is effective only half as long in the desert as stated on the package.
Continue deadheading spent flowers to help extend the bloom period.
As early spring temperatures begin to warm, continue watering plants the same amount but increase the frequency slightly.
This can mean adjusting the irrigation timer.
Roses should have had their severe January pruning, and by mid-February the fertilization schedule can be resumed.
Since cactus and succulents are warm-season growers, they do not need feeding now.
This month is when the first of three annual citrus feedings takes place.
Water trees well before applying a high-nitrogen granular mix under the tree canopy.
Always carefully follow directions on the package. After applying, soak the soil again to help with the release of nutrients.
This is a good time to mark the calendar for fertilizing citrus again around Memorial Day in May and Labor Day in September.
If salvia plants have not been pruned, they may appear a bit weary with a thinning, woody appearance.
To encourage new green growth and to promote heavier bloom, cut these small bushes back severely.
Removing at least 30 to 50 percent will help to invigorate the plant before its spring-to-autumn flowering period.
At the Arid Garden, the many salvias have been cut back to 12 to 14 inches high.
Attracted to flower buds and new tender growth, aphids will begin to show up with warmer temperatures.
To control, wash away with sprays of water from the hose.
Homemade or commercial insecticidal soap sprays may also be used.
These tiny sucking insects play havoc with many plants, especially small ones.
Though difficult to get rid of, their numbers can be controlled by starting early in the season and continuing their removal.
Don't forget that February is known as "the month of love."
For your valentine, floral shops and nurseries are well-stocked now with choices such as hot-pink cyclamen, dianthus, kalenchoe, sweet-scented hyacinth, colorful miniature rose bushes, and the very popular "Valentine" emu bushes.
Even if your love is not a gardener, most such plants will last for many days or even weeks with little care.
If you don't have a valentine, why not treat yourself to a bit of "almost spring" living color!
Mary Kidnocker is a Master Gardener who lives in Green Valley. Her articles appear each Sunday.
Copyright 2011 Green Valley News & Sun. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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