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Source: Organic Gardening
FairUse
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Sustainable Life Info Copyright © 2005-2010 DLH Business Associates.
All rights reserved
FairUse
top of page
Sustainable Life Info Copyright © 2005-2010 DLH Business Associates.
All rights reserved
FEBRUARY ORGANIC GARDENING
Greenhouse gardening is a fun and functional way to garden all year 'round.
A greenhouse is not always a "hot house", as it is sometimes called. Plants usually do their best at temperatures slightly lower and with a much higher humidity than is usually maintained in our houses. A small greenhouse can have its temperature regulated relatively easy.
There are six main reasons to use a greenhouse:
(1) Raising plants for winter use.
(2) Holding over garden plants to be used as "parent" plants next season.
(3) Getting an early start for tender plants started from seed.
(4) Increasing the possibilities of a greater variety and continuous supply.
(5) Easier culture of small vegetables for winter use.
(6) To propagate, and experiment with various plants as a hobby, or to develop new varieties.
A greenhouse is not always a "hot house", as it is sometimes called. Plants usually do their best at temperatures slightly lower and with a much higher humidity than is usually maintained in our houses. A small greenhouse can have its temperature regulated relatively easy.
There are six main reasons to use a greenhouse:
(1) Raising plants for winter use.
(2) Holding over garden plants to be used as "parent" plants next season.
(3) Getting an early start for tender plants started from seed.
(4) Increasing the possibilities of a greater variety and continuous supply.
(5) Easier culture of small vegetables for winter use.
(6) To propagate, and experiment with various plants as a hobby, or to develop new varieties.
From our favorite Organic Gardening information center:
Spraying Season. Now is the time to spray roses and fruit trees with dormant oil to kill those soft-bodied insects like scale that love to overwinter.
Frost Frenzy. If your garden has experienced any frost damage (look for blackened leaves and branches), leave them alone until spring. You're better off pruning away frost damage after new spring growth has begun.
Seed Starting. In warm-weather areas, it's time to start seeds indoors for summer crops like tomatoes and peppers. Make sure they have a strong light source and consider using a heating mat to keep soil at a consistently warm temperature. If you live in a cool coastal area, peruse the seed catalogs [ ] but wait until next month to get them started. And speaking of seed starting, now is the time to gather your friends and neighbors to organize a Seed Swap.
Winter Flower Power. In frost-free areas, set out pansies, primrose, and Icelandic poppies to brighten up grey days.
Weeding and Mulching. Weed and mulch beds where over-wintering greens, spring bulbs, and early blooming perennials, like violets, are growing.
Harvest Time. Harvest winter vegetables like leeks, cabbages, and Brussels sprouts that will bolt soon. Too late? The flower buds of cabbage and Brussels sprouts are tender and tasty. Be sure to use up any good fruit and vegetables you have stored over the winter in the cellar or shed.
Perennial Preparation. Divide and move hardy perennials such as raspberries, cranesbills, spirea, and Shasta daisies. Trade extras with friends, neighbors, and family.
Lawn Care. Check the lawn mower for mowing readiness. Tune it up and have the blades sharpened before the spring rush.
Soil Savvy. Get a soil test and follow its recommendations.
Be On the Look Out for Spring. Look for crocuses, violets, and the return of swallows, the first signs of spring.
Bulb Tip. like tulips and daffodils as they start to emerge. Your nursery will have a good stock of bulb food, or bone meal will do the trick.
Spraying Season. Now is the time to spray roses and fruit trees with dormant oil to kill those soft-bodied insects like scale that love to overwinter.
Frost Frenzy. If your garden has experienced any frost damage (look for blackened leaves and branches), leave them alone until spring. You're better off pruning away frost damage after new spring growth has begun.
Seed Starting. In warm-weather areas, it's time to start seeds indoors for summer crops like tomatoes and peppers. Make sure they have a strong light source and consider using a heating mat to keep soil at a consistently warm temperature. If you live in a cool coastal area, peruse the seed catalogs [ ] but wait until next month to get them started. And speaking of seed starting, now is the time to gather your friends and neighbors to organize a Seed Swap.
Winter Flower Power. In frost-free areas, set out pansies, primrose, and Icelandic poppies to brighten up grey days.
Weeding and Mulching. Weed and mulch beds where over-wintering greens, spring bulbs, and early blooming perennials, like violets, are growing.
Harvest Time. Harvest winter vegetables like leeks, cabbages, and Brussels sprouts that will bolt soon. Too late? The flower buds of cabbage and Brussels sprouts are tender and tasty. Be sure to use up any good fruit and vegetables you have stored over the winter in the cellar or shed.
Perennial Preparation. Divide and move hardy perennials such as raspberries, cranesbills, spirea, and Shasta daisies. Trade extras with friends, neighbors, and family.
Lawn Care. Check the lawn mower for mowing readiness. Tune it up and have the blades sharpened before the spring rush.
Soil Savvy. Get a soil test and follow its recommendations.
Be On the Look Out for Spring. Look for crocuses, violets, and the return of swallows, the first signs of spring.
Bulb Tip. like tulips and daffodils as they start to emerge. Your nursery will have a good stock of bulb food, or bone meal will do the trick.
Gardening for other regions
OR Will. Valley Local Harvest
OR Organic Events
Step by Step Garden Design
Design a Knot Garden
Landscape Guide
Start a Seed Swap!
Organic's Seeds Success
How to Start a School Garden
How to Restore Lead Contaminated Soils for Gardens / Crops
Check out the gardening products from some of our favorite stores:
Redirect Guide to
local organic and sustainable businesses
OR Will. Valley Local Harvest
OR Organic Events
Step by Step Garden Design
Design a Knot Garden
Landscape Guide
Start a Seed Swap!
Organic's Seeds Success
How to Start a School Garden
How to Restore Lead Contaminated Soils for Gardens / Crops
Check out the gardening products from some of our favorite stores:
Redirect Guide to
local organic and sustainable businesses
