Central Georgia has an overall mild climate. Late February often feels like early spring, but technically it is still winter. Here are some things to think about prior to planting your vegetable gardens or doing major renovation to your landscape.
- Turf Management: Late February to mid-March is the time to apply pre-emergent and fertilizer to the lawn. I recommend using granular products. They are simple to use and if applied correctly they are an effective product.
- Pest management: Mid-February to mid-March is also a good time to do your pest management. Basic home maintenance like resealing cracks and replacing broken or worn vent covers go a long way in preventing pest form finding their way into your home. This is also a great time to install both bird and bat houses. Bats eat millions of mosquitos, and garden pest annually.
- Garden Prep: It is a good idea to start your seeds indoors or in a greenhouse, if possible, about 2-3 weeks prior to Easter. That way you are ready to transplant your seed starts just after the last frost of the year. Late winter is also a good time for tilling last year’s garden bed and adding compost to the soil. If it has been 2 or more years since your last soil sample, it is recommended that you get that updated.
- Equipment Inspection: Never assume that the tools you put away late last fall are still in working order. Tires go flat and rodents build nest and chew wires. Checking tire pressure and oil levels can save you from some trouble.
- Things to Avoid: If you had planned to plant new shrubs and/or trees this spring, I would recommend you wait. Tree and shrub planting or transplanting is best done in the winter. When I am asked when to plant or move a tree or shrub, I recommend that it be done between Christmas and mid-January. Woody stem plants need to be planted when they are in their most dormant state. While it is possible to plant trees year-round, it is more stressful for the tree when it is planted in spring and summer. Spring/Summer transplanting requires more time for the tree to recover, and it makes the tree more susceptible to disease.
I April, Monroe County Extension will be hosting a pesticide/herbicide safety training. 1CEU will be available for pesticide license holders. Please see the link below to RSVP if you would like to attend.
