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: 4th Quarter begins on Monday, February 13; Valentine's Day Tuesday, February 14
- Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of Scorpio - Prune and fertilize
- Feed Bearded Iris with 0-10-10 to improve flowering this spring. With older clumps, I use a liquid 0-10-10 and apply it to the center of each clump.
- Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of Scorpio - Prune and fertilize
Later in the Week
- Now is the time to root prune established Japanese Maples, Roses, Citrus, and many other plants that have been in the same container for 18-24 months. First, I'd tip the plant(s) over on its side and slide the root ball out. You may have to tug and pull. Then, with a sharp knife, pruning saw, or any other cutting tool, trim two-three 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, add fresh potting soil to the container and replant it. This technique is also recommended for indoor foliage or house plants.
Other Things To-do
- Extend the life of cut roses and other cut flowers by first removing the foliage from the base of the stems, as vegetation will foul the water in the vase. And second, recut the stem 1/4 inch daily. Finally, change the water daily to eliminate the bacteria growth. Also, with Carnations, remove apples, bananas, and other ripening fruit from the room as the ethylene gas given off causes the flowers to droop or flag.
- And finally, A variety of different fruit trees can be incorporated into small gardens by planting three trees in one hole. These trees are spaced two feet apart in a triangle. Although they will have three separate trunks, you will prune them like there was only one canopy, so it is important to have compatible trees in the same hole. This is not a problem if you plant three different varieties of the same type of fruit ie, three apples, three cherries, etc. Ask your nursery professional for other combinations that grow well in your area.