ArtCentrics

February Monthly Update

Hot Topic

Compost - It is time to get your planting area/s revitalized and composting is one of the best soil amendments you can make. It is great for adding nutrients needed for healthy plants and it can also be used as a top mulch to keep your plants at a comfortable temperature. If you have a very alkaline soil (higher clay content), then mix some compost into your soil along with other soil amendments like manure, at least 6 - 12" into the soil. If you have a raised bed with neutral or slightly acidic soil, then you can just add a compost mixture to the top layer of your bed.  You need to amend your soil for each planting season. Your ground layer planting area with clay, will go back to a clay based soil as the organic material breaks down. - It is time to get your planting area/s revitalized and composting is one of the best soil amendments you can make. It is great for adding nutrients needed for healthy plants and it can also be used as a top mulch to keep your plants at a comfortable temperature. If you have a very alkaline soil (higher clay content), then mix some compost into your soil along with other soil amendments like manure, at least 6 - 12" into the soil. If you have a raised bed with neutral or slightly acidic soil, then you can just add a compost mixture to the top layer of your bed.  You need to amend your soil for each planting season. Your ground layer planting area with clay, will go back to a clay based soil as the organic material breaks down.

Do List

  • Fertilize citrus and fruit trees.
  • Prune grapes 80 – 90%, peaches/plums 40 – 50%.
  • Fertilize all planting areas (compost is a good natural fertilizer).
  • Add top dressing of mulch and compost to bare soil.
  • Prune roses and dead/damaged or diseased limbs from shade/ornamental trees.

Don’t List

  • Don’t cheat on soil preparation.
  • Don’t delay weed control.
  • Don’t fertilize dormant Bermuda until April/May.
  • Don’t use pre-emergent near areas where you are planting vegie or any seeds.
  • Don’t plant roses with western exposure.

Planting

Note: White font listed items identify "Ideal" planting time items
  • Vegetables
    • Seeds
      • beets, bok choy, carrots, chard, collards, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, mustard, green onions, peas, potato, radish, spinach, summer squash and turnips
    • Transplants
      • artichoke, asparagus, onion (bulb), peppers, tomato
  • Herbs
    • Anise, Basil, Bay, Caraway, Calendula, Chamomile, Chives, Cilantro, Epazote, Fennel, Dill, Feverfew, French Tarragon, Lavender, Lemon balm, Lemon grass, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rue, Safflower, Sage, Savory, Thyme
  • Flowers
    • Alyssum, Begonias, Chrysanthemum, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Gaillardia, Hibiscus, Marigold, Nasturtium, Petunia, Poppy, Snapdragon, Society garlic, Sunflower, Sweet Peas
  • Fruit
    • Cantaloupe, Watermelon

Recipes of the Month