January
- Register for the Annual Spring Perennial Symposium,
usually held in February at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Check under
"Special Events" for details.
- Check soil for heaving after snow or ice. Make sure there is mulch cover, except on cold-loving plants, such as peonies.
- Feed and water the birds. Remember that birdseed sprouts in the garden, so keep out of beds or clean up beneath feeders.
- Plant trees and shrubs, especially winter-flowering, fragrant shrubs like winter sweet (Chimonanthus praecox), winter Daphne (Daphne odora) and winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima).
- Add manure or compost to your garden and turn it under if possible to prepare the garden for spring. If you cannot turn the soil, use the amendments as a mulch.
- Recycle your Christmas tree by using the branches as mulch.
- Plant bulbs, such as crocus, daffodils, Dutch iris, hyacinths and tulips before the end of the month.
- Prune summer-flowering shrubs.
- Remove damaged foliage from hellebores.
- Order garden seeds for spring sowing and plants for spring delivery. The best selection is available early.
February
- Prune or deadhead pansies. Feed, water and add new ones as needed.
- Prune roses in late February.
- For Arbor Day plant a new tree at home, or donate and plant a new tree at a local school or green space, with permission, of course.
- Pre-emergent can be applied to the garden between February 15 and March 15 in order to prevent weeds. Do not apply it to areas where reseeding of annuals is desired.
- Resist starting seed indoors until the recommended time on the package. Seedlings will grow leggy and weak without enough light if kept inside too long.
March
- Begin Spring cleanup.
- Most perennials will bloom more prolifically if given a boost of 12-6-6 or 15-15-15 fertilizer around the base of the plant. Avoid the crown.
- Bare-root roses in plastic bags have roots wrapped in moss. Avoid those with new growth. Remove the covering and soak the plant overnight before planting.
- Nasturtium seeds planted now will yield colorful mounds of blossoms to add to spring salads. The buds add a peppery flavor.
- When daffodils and other bulbs finish blooming, cut back spent blooms but not the foliage. It absorbs energy for next year's bloom.
- Wait until the last frost date to plant annuals.
- Start seed indoors that require 4 to 6 weeks lead time. Give them bottom heat and strong light.
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