February
Lawn
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If soil test has not been completed within the last 4
years, collect soil from 2 or 3 areas of the lawn, about 6 inches deep. Make sure soil dries out on newspaper, then
place in zip-lock sandwich bag and take to UT Extension to be boxed and
tested. Results should be sent to home
about 2 – 3 weeks later.
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Look for water blockage and low wet areas.
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Remove fallen
branches and twigs.
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Look for vole damage and
mole tunnels. Place bait as needed.
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Have mowers tuned up and
blades sharpened.
Flower Gardens
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Prune ornamental
grasses, liriope, Knockout roses (as needed), old-fashioned butterfly bushes,
Russian Sage, and Crape Myrtles (if desired).
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Add packaged soil to
flowerbeds and work around plants.
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Plan new plants for garden
areas.
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Use a pre-emergent weed
killer such as Preen mid-to-late February.
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Mulch flowerbeds.
Kitchen Gardens
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Add package soil or
compost and 10-10-10 fertilizer as needed.
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Some cool season
crops can be planted in raised beds (lettuce, peas, onions, radishes, spinach –
see UT Extension publication SP-291-0)
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Spray dormant oil on
fruit and nut trees if needed.
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Bare root fruit
trees can be planted in the garden. For specific fruit tree information, go
online to UT Extension publications and download SP307-D, which will give all
aspects of fruit tree management.
Ponds
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Remove leaf debris
from pond surface.
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Check that surface
opening for gases is free of ice.