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 Saturday, February 18: Monday, February 20, Presidents Day- Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of Sagittarius-
- With a permanent marker, mark frequently used tools with measurements like inches and/or feet on the handle. This will help you space plants or rows uniformly by having the measurement within easy reach.
Later in the Week
- Tuesday/Wednesday: Moon in the sign of Capricorn - Graft, prune and fertilize
- 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. I'd tip the plant(s) over on it 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. This technique is also recommended for indoor foliage or houseplants.
Other Things To-do
- With landscape trees, shrubs and groundcovers, you encourage the flush of new growth by fertilizing with 16-16-16 or similar product. 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, it is not necessary to water the fertilizer in as mother nature will do it for you.
- And finally, to help preserve the color in poinsettias, increase the light. At this time of the year, they can tolerate midday sun.