WHAT TO PLANT

Annuals/Bedding plants: Plants that can be added to the garden during the coolest months include dianthus, pansy, petunia, viola, and snapdragon.

Camellias: Select and plant camellias this month. Come and visit us now for the best selection of colors and forms. Learn more about Camellias: https://canterburyfarmsnursery.com/camellia-pink/

Figure 1. Camellia
Credit: UF/IFAS

Vegetables: Irish potatoes can be planted now. Be sure to start with healthy seed pieces. Continue planting cool-season crops, including broccoli, kale, carrots, and lettuce. 

 

WHAT TO DO

Deciduous fruit: Plant deciduous fruit trees now to give their roots time to develop before the warm, dry spring months. Prune and fertilize existing trees. 

Cold protection: Be ready to cover tender plants to minimize damage and be sure covers extend all the way to the ground. Frost or freezes are likely this month and next. We have frost cloth available for sale in 10’x15′ pieces for $32.50.

Irrigation: Irrigate lawns and landscape plants minimally. This is their dormant season.

Shrubs and trees: Prune non-spring flowering shrubs and trees this month to improve form. 

Crape Myrtle: Remove seed pods, crossing branches, and small twiggy growth to improve the appearance and form of the plant, if desired. Hard pruning is not required.

Pests: Apply horticultural oil to citrus, shrubs, camellias, and deciduous fruit trees while plants are dormant to control scale.