We’re down the homestretch of winter. The weather is beginning to warm (just a little bit) and the days are growing longer. We still have a few weeks to go before spring is fully here, but there is still plenty you can do to get your garden ready for a new season:

• Continue to feed the birds because the natural food in and throughout your garden is scarce.
• This month is also an ideal time to prune fruit and shade trees.
• Continue clearing heavy snow off of evergreens as well as lace-leaf Japanese maple trees.
• Wilt Pruf can still be applied, as long as the temperatures go above 45 degrees, to broadleaf evergreens including azaleas, rhododendrons, and holly. A cold, dry winter will do a heavy amount of damage this time of year, so it’s best to try and prevent it.
• If you have ice built up on sidewalks and walkways, use a good quality, non-salt-based ice melt. Salt-based melts can leach into your gardens and lawn.
• We have a full inventory of flower and vegetable seeds now available. It’s still
  early to start most seeds inside, but now’s the time to start thinking spring.
• Late February is still a good time to check for indoor plant pests and disease, and if your plant is looking a little worse for wear, come see us for assistance in bringing it back to health.
• Begin feeding your houseplants in late February to early March regularly with a houseplant fertilizer.
• Force twigs of quince, fruit trees, dogwood, or forsythia for indoor blooming. Prune grape vines without delay!
• If the temperature stays above freezing in late February, don’t be afraid to spray dormant oil spray on your fruit trees, roses, and other shrubs and trees.