January and February Gardening Tasks

 

Prune Fruit Trees - Now is the time to prune deciduous fruit trees to thin and shape them.  To thin cut an entire stem or branch at its point of origin or to its junction with another branch.  Also wash trees with a strong spray.  Some growers recommend doing this several times a year to minimize pests and diseases.  

 

Spray peach trees with a sulfur-lime spray to protect against peach leaf curl.  Most sources recommend three such sprayings, but I have found two effective; the first spraying anytime after all the leaves have fallen and the second when buds are full, but haven’t opened.  

 

Protect Succulents - When hard frosts are forecast, move tender succulents under overhangs or cover the tips with foam cups.  Jade plants and some of the aloes especially need cold protection.  

 

Maintain Digging Tools - Clean tools by dipping them in a pail of sand mixed with some vegetable oil.  Then sharpen your tools.  

 

Prune Roses in February - Wait until late February to prune roses so that a late frost doesn’t damage new growth.   

 

Check Water Depth -  If you have adjusted your automatic water system for winter, check the soil around plants with a moisture meter.  So far our rainfalls have been so light that rain hasn’t penetrated much into the soil.  For more information on water conservation check out this good website by the San Diego water district: 

 http://thegarden.org; click on “Resources for Water-Wise Gardeners” and then on “Plant Lists.”