F ebruary is often the coldest month of the year. I reminisce of winters before moving to Texas; the ten foot high snowdrifts, the tire chains that constantly had to be installed and removed, shoveling sidewalks that would be covered with a fresh layer of snow the next morning, the white foggy mist that wafted upward from my warm breath against the frigid air as I would stop to observe the birds who chose to stay with us and bear the cold. I remember the double layer of clothes, the long parkas, the 4-buckle overshoes and the heavy thermal mittens.

Also, I remember the last two years in Burleson. Evenings were spent with a throw tossed over my feet and reading or watching TV. It's the time of the year when the fireplace is a welcome accessory. During the day the temperatures would rise 30 degrees and the gardening rush would be infused into my blood. I start having dreams of digging, planting, and pruning. Garden sprites are dancing in the air and sprinkling crystals of excelsior on the leaves of the plants calling for help to grow.

Most plants are resting. Some had lost their leaves with the onset of winter, others are fully foliated but in a dormant stage. I remind myself that plants that are dormant will not need as much water but still should not totally dry out. They should be watered with about 3/4 inch of water every 10-14 days. Also TAMU reminded me to water everything on a morning prior to a forecasted hard freeze. It helps protect the plants.

Near the end of the month there will be lots of things to do in the garden so it's a time to get your tools sharpened and start shopping for fertilizer.

  FERTILIZING: Around the end of February, many plants will begin to produce flowers and new leaves. These plants will need fertilization to grow properly. A few examples of plants that need fertilizing in February are fruit trees, shrubs, vines, vegetables, annuals, roses and pecan trees. There are many different types of fertilizer so either check with the Extension Horticulture Department or tell the salesperson at your garden center what type of plants you want to fertilize and they can help you select the correct fertilizer for your needs.

  PREEMERGENT: Early to mid-February marks the time to apply a preemergent herbicide for lawns that had a summer weed problem last year. You need to get a jump on those broadleaf weeds. These products kill germinating seeds. The mild weather may already be triggering weed germination. A second application may be needed in late May or early June. Remember that the best defense against lawn weeds is a healthy, thick turf resulting from good management. Don't rely on chemicals alone!

  GENERAL PRUNING: February is a good month to prune both evergreen and deciduous shrubs. Prune only the flowering shrubs whose blooms are borne on new wood. Some common shrubs that need trimming are wax myrtle, crape myrtle, viburnum, honeysuckle, junipers, ligustrum, oleander, hibiscus, and roses. Do not prune spring-blooming shrubs such as Azaleas, Spirea (bridal wreath), Camellias, Gardenias, and species roses until after they finish flowering.

  ROSE PRUNING: Prune hybrid tea roses in February to induce new growth and spring blooms. When pruning established roses remember to remove any canes that have been broken or damaged by insects or diseases. Also remove canes that are rubbing together, spindly, or less than the size of a lead pencil in diameter. Remove 1/4th to 1/2 of the top and any dead and weak canes. Use sharp pruners to make clean cuts, retaining 6-8 healthy canes. Do not prune climbers.

The older the plant, the more canes you should leave. Make clean, sharp cuts just above buds that point outward. Postpone pruning of climbing roses until after their major flush of spring bloom. Many antique roses should not be as drastically pruned as hybrid teas.

  TRANSPLANT: Move bare root and container grown roses, shrubs, trees, groundcovers and vines. Move hardy seedlings outdoors. Divide and transplant perennial herbs and summer and fall blooming perennial flowers. Hold off on new planting until after the last possible freeze in mid-March.

  PREPARE SOIL: Add compost and/or fertilizer. Send in soil samples (forms available at the Extension Office). Check mulch and replenish where it is thin. You need about two inches for a good layer. Stockpile leaves for mulch and composting throughout spring and summer.

  DISEASES/PESTS TO LOOK FOR: Apply preemergent weed killer to lawn. Spray fruit trees with dormant oil just prior to bud break. Call Extension Office 817-884-1944 for fruit and nut trees spray schedule.

  OTHER THINGS TO DO: It's time to get the garden ready for the new growing season. Start thinking about vegetables you are going to plant.

Clean, repair and replace garden tools. Create a garden plan to help organize your chores and planting schedules. Have the lawn mower blade sharpened. Change the oil in the mower and take it to the repair shop now if it will not start. You will need this within one month. This is a busy month.

Groundhog Day began on February 2nd, 1886 with a proclamation in The Punxsutawney Spirit by the newspaper's editor. If the Groundhog sees his shadow he expects storms and retreats back inside to hibernate for six more weeks of winter.

Since the 1993 release of the film Groundhog Day, that starred Bill Murray as a TV weatherman who wakes up and it's Groundhog Day over and over again.

I am convinced a good attitude on February 2nd is absolutely essential.

President's Day will be observed on February 20th for both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, even though both were born on different days.

Mardi Gras is observed February 28th and falls on the day before Ash Wednesday. The day is known as Fat Tuesday.

Valentine's Day will be observed with roses and flowers of all types on February 14th.

If the temperature on February 2nd morning is 10 above zero I plan to poor a steaming cup of coffee and stay in for at least two more weeks. I've had my day in the frigid winters up north.

By Derald Freeman, TCMGA MG