Gardening by the Moon Weekend To-Do
An idea as old as agriculture, based both folklore and superstition but there are scientific ideas to back it up.
- Lunar Phase: New Moon, Friday February 9
- Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of Pisces - It is a wet weekend. So, it's an indoor or undercover gardening weekend.
- Now is the time to root prune established Japanese Maples, Roses, Citrus, and many other plants in the same container for 18-24 months. I'd tip the plant(s) over on its side and slide it out. You may have to tug and pull. With a sharp knife, pruning saw, ax, or any other cutting tool, trim 2-3 inches of the root mass off the sides and 4-6 inches off the bottom. You are not going to kill the plant(s). Next, you add fresh potting soil to a container and replant it. This technique is also recommended for indoor foliage or houseplants.
Later in the Week
- Wednesday and Thursday: Moon in the sign of Taurus - Plant seasonal color and cool season vegetables
- Cabbage Broccoli, Cauliflower Lettuce, Chard, and Spinach transplants are available for planting at your favorite garden centers. They can be grown in the open ground or in containers of all sizes.
- Now is the time to replant color bowls with Cinerarias, Iceland Poppies, Primulas, and Primroses for different color combinations.
Other Things To-do
- With landscape trees, shrubs, and groundcovers, you encourage the flush of new growth by fertilizing with an all-purpose organic shade tree fertilizer. You can spread the fertilizer by hand or with a hand-held spreader. Be sure the pellets are evenly distributed around and under the drip line of each plant. Unlike other times of the year, watering the fertilizer is unnecessary, as Mother Nature will do it for you.
- Finally, increase the light to help preserve the color of the poinsettias. At this time of the year, they can tolerate midday sun.