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Planter's Almanac: February Planting Guide

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 1, 2008

WHAT TO DO

Transplant cold-hardy shrubs and trees: Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper. Place the plant in the soil at the same level it was growing in the container or ground.

Do not compact soil or prune foliage; the plant will shed what it can't support.

Fertilize annuals and vegetables: Annuals and vegetables benefit from frequent, light applications of fertilizer. Apply 6-6-6 or a similar complete fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet (or 1 pound of 12-12-12). Repeat on a monthly basis.

Prepare vegetable and flower gardens for spring planting: Till soil, and add organic matter such as manure, compost or peat. Test pH of soil (contact your county extension service), and add lime or sulfur if necessary.

Prune, mulch and fertilize roses: Roses that are older than 1 year require a major pruning each year. Remove one-third to one-half of the top growth and any unproductive growth.

WHAT TO PLANT

Annuals: ageratum, alyssum, arctotis, aster, baby's breath, balsam, begonia, bracteantha (strawflower), browallia, calendula, California poppy, carnation, diascia, dianthus, dusty miller, foxglove, gaillardia, geranium, lobelia, Marguerite daisy, nemesia, ornamental cabbage or kale, osteospermum, pansy, petunia, snapdragon, sunflower, sweet pea, vinca, viola

Vegetables: beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, celery, collards, corn, cucumber, eggplant, endive, green onions, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, English peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkin, radish, squash, tomatoes, turnips, watermelon

Herbs and spices: anise, basil, bay laurel, borage, caraway, cardamom, chervil, chives, cilantro (coriander), dill, fennel, ginger, horehound, lemon balm, lovage, marjoram, Mexican tarragon, mint, nasturtium, oregano, rosemary, sage, savory, thyme, watercress

Bulbs: achimenes, African lily, alstroemeria, amaryllis, Amazon lily, Aztec lily, blackberry lily, caladium, calla, canna, crinum, crocosmia, dahlia, gaillardia, gladiolus, gloriosa lily, hurricane lily, Kaffir lily, Louisiana iris, morea, rain lily, society garlic, tiger lily, tritonia, tuberose

Information provided by Hillsborough County Extension

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