Although the streets are still covered in snow in February, spring is still approaching. In addition to the long-awaited warming, this month brings with it a lot of trouble, which lays the foundation for the future harvest. Therefore, gardeners and gardeners begin active work in preparation for spring work in February.
Snow blanket for the garden
Snowy winter is a great blessing for the gardener. White blanket reliably protects the roots of plants from freezing. So, every 10 cm of snow cover increases the temperature of the earth by 1 degree.
In February, snow retention work is usually continued in gardens and vegetable gardens. Sweeping paths, lay snow mass under bushes and trees. Particular attention is paid to thermophilic plants: grapes, roses, strawberries. These crops need a denser shelter, so the snow layer on them should be slightly thicker. Spruce branches spread on the surface of the earth at the base of tree trunks also retain moisture well.
Pruning and whitewashing trees
From late January to early March, there is a risk of frostbites and sunburns on the trunks of fruit trees. During the day, the unprotected bark heats up very much, and at night it cools to minus temperatures. As a result of such changes, the walls of the cortical cells are damaged, and the tissues of the tree die.
In order to protect the plants in the days of the February thaws, they check whether the autumn rains washed away the whitewash from the trunks. If necessary, it is renewed using a solution consisting of freshly slaked lime (2.5 kg), copper sulfate (0.5 kg) and water (10 l). If the frosty weather does not allow whitewashing the trees, they are wrapped in white non-woven material (paper), sprinkled with snow and trampled a little.
February is the most successful month for winter pruning of trees. Being at rest, they experience less stress at this time, and the slices are more accurate. In addition, in the absence of foliage, the imperfections of the crown are clearly visible. Winter pruning is very important for fruit trees, because the quality of the future crop and the resistance of the tree to various diseases depend on this event. The first fruit-bearing apple trees are pruned first in the conservatory, followed by the branches of currant, gooseberry and hazel.
Preparation of planting material and garden tools
In the last month of winter, intensive preparation of planting material begins. Lovers of flowers acquire seeds and are engaged in the germination of ageratum, purslane, begonia, salvia, lobelia. Their small seeds germinate in the light, not sprinkling with soil. The seeds of cloves Shabo, balsam Waller and nirembergia are covered with a sand layer with a thickness of 2-3 mm. Dahlia and gladiolus flower tubers stored until spring are inspected to identify sprouts and damage.
Check for germination residual stocks of seeds from the previous season and the condition of stored vegetables. Rotted specimens are immediately removed from the vault. February is the best time for harvesting potato seed material, as well as for its germination.
Gardening equipment is also subject to inspection. Malfunctions are repaired, the missing devices are bought before the start of the spring excitement.
To prepare fertilizers and other preparations
In order for the spring-sowing work to progress uniformly and smoothly, experienced farmers stock up on organic and mineral fertilizers in advance: nitrogen, phosphorus and potash, as well as complex fertilizers and means for protecting and combating pests and diseases - garden varieties, limes, fungicides, insecticides and other special drugs.
It will not be superfluous to purchase seed disinfectants and growth stimulants
Plant seeds for seedlings
For early harvest, some seeds for seedlings are sown in February. So, in its early days, seeds of annual flowers are planted: gazania, lobelia, begonias, petunias, as well as seeds of sweet pepper and eggplant.
At the end of the first ten days of the month, they plant black onions, and in the last days of February they begin sowing early tomatoes for covered ground, celery and early white cabbage. These crops are characterized by a long period of germination, so their seedlings appear 2-3 weeks after sowing.
The resulting seedlings are planted in open ground or a greenhouse in April-May. If it is planned to grow vegetables at home on the windowsill, the seeds of tomatoes and cucumbers are sown in mid-February.
Properly planned and timely preparatory work for moisture retention, pruning, dressing of fruit and vegetable crops is the key to a good harvest. The right start is half the success, so experienced gardeners and farmers recommend starting preparations for spring sowing in the winter.
