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1 A L A B A M A A & M A N D A U B U R N U N I V E R S I T I E S. alabama ANR-0047 Gardener's Calendar January Fruits and Nuts Set out apples, peaches, pears, and grapes. Start grafting pecans. Prune dormant trees. Shrubs Plant shrubs and trees, including broadleaf, narrowleaf, and deciduous. Graft camellias in south alabama . Spray all deciduous shrubbery with a dor- mant spray to control diseases and insects. Spray when weather is on warming trend. To keep poinsettias that have finished Lawns flowering, turn pots on their sides and let Soil test before setting up fertility program. them dry completely. Cut them back lightly. Roses Keep in a temperature of 55 to 60 degrees. Visit nurseries and garden centers to select varieties. Vegetable Seed Start planting. Plant hardy vegetables, root crops, roots, and tubers in southern-most areas.

2 Annuals and Perennials Plant lettuce, cabbage, and broccoli in Plant hardy annuals. cold frames. Bulbs Vegetable Plants Late plantings of Dutch bulbs Set out cabbage plants. will flower if planted now. Lilies of all types, except Madonna, may be planted. February Check stored bulbs and discard Fruits and Nuts rotten ones. Planting season continues for dormant trees. Make indoor plantings of amaryllis, callas, and gloxinias. Fertilize fruit trees. Apply half of the fertilizer recommended for Miscellaneous grapes now; apply the other half soon after Prune winter-damaged limbs. fruit sets. Give houseplants a bath in lukewarm water Continue dormant pruning and grafting. Start to remove dust. strawberry plantings. Shrubs March Planting season continues. Visit camellia shows to learn of hardy varieties Fruits and Nuts in your area.

3 Continue strawberry and grape plantings. Graft camellias in central and south alabama . Bud apples and peaches. Spray all shrubs with a fungicide before new Start planting blackberries. Remember, if growth starts. weather conditions prevent prompt planting, Good time to prune all shrubs before new heel the plants in by placing the root system in growth starts. a trench and covering the soil. Don't prune early-blooming species because Shrubs flower buds will be removed. Fertilize shrubs (except azaleas and camellias). Roses according to a soil test. Prune hybrid tea roses in south alabama ; Late plantings may be made, particularly if delay pruning for a few weeks in north they are container -grown. alabama . Watch shrubs for harmful insects. Continue planting. Lawns Annuals and Perennials Plant bermuda, zoysia, and centipede in Replant early plantings of hardy annuals.

4 South alabama . Prepare beds for summer annuals. Seed bluegrass and grass mixtures in north alabama . Bulbs Fertilize established lawns. Plant cannas, amaryllis, gladiolus, and zephy- ranthes in south alabama ; delay planting for a Roses few weeks in north alabama . Watch new growth for aphids. Begin a spray or dust program. Miscellaneous Begin fertilizing. Houseplants are beginning to show signs of activity. Annuals and Perennials Fertilize with liquid or soluble fertilizer Tender annuals may be planted in south according to manufacturer's directions. alabama . Remember Valentine's Day. Why not send Check garden centers for bedding plants. roses or a potted plant? Bulbs Vegetable Seed Plant gladiolus every 2 or 3 weeks if a long Plant some vegetables listed for January in blooming season is desired. central alabama plus collards, salsify, and Plant tuberous begonias in pots.

5 Plant dahlias. Swiss chard. Miscellaneous Add tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cauli- flower, and Brussels sprouts to cold frames. Check and repair sprayers, dusters, and lawn mowers. Vegetable Plants Control lawn weeds with chemicals. Plant cabbage, onions, lettuce, broccoli, and Delay pruning of fruiting shrubs such as Brussels sprouts. cotoneasters, pyracanthas, and hollies until after flowering. 2 alabama cooperative extension system Vegetable Seed Avoid cutting foliage of narcissus or other Plant hardy crops recommended for January bulbs until it has turned brown naturally. and February. Miscellaneous After danger of frost is past, plant tender Spray camellias, hollies, etc., for scale insects. vegetables. Carefully water new plantings of shrubs Vegetable Plants and trees. Plant cabbage, onions, lettuce, broccoli, Pinching out tips of new shoots promotes and Brussels sprouts in north alabama ; more compact shrubs.

6 Plant tomatoes and peppers in lower Vegetable Seed south alabama . Plant tender vegetables such as beans, corn, squash, melons, and cucumbers. April Plant heat-loving vegetables in lower south alabama . Fruits and Nuts Season for strawberry planting continues. Vegetable Plants Start spray program for all fruits. Plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, sweet Plant raspberries and blackberries and potatoes, and parsley continue budding apples and peaches. Shrubs May Prune spring flowering shrubs after flowering. Fruits and Nuts Fertilize azaleas and camellias. Continue spray program. When new growth is half completed, spray all Keep grass from around trees and strawberries. shrubs with a fungicide. Peaches and apples can still be budded. Lawns Shrubs Planting continues. Newly planted shrubs need extra care now New lawns may need supplementary watering.

7 And in coming weeks. Also, fertilize at 3- to 6-week intervals. Don't spray with oil emulsions when tempera- Keep ryegrass cut low, particularly if over- ture is above 85 degrees F. planted on bermuda lawns. Lawns Roses Now is the best time to start lawns from seed. Watch for insects and diseases. Water new lawns as needed to prevent drying. Keep old flower heads removed. Keep established lawns actively growing by Plant container -grown plants from nurseries watering, fertilizing, and mowing. or garden centers. Spray weeds in lawns with proper herbicide. Annuals and Perennials Roses Plant early started annuals or bedding plants Spray or dust for insects and diseases. from nurseries or garden centers. Fertilize monthly according to a soil test. Divide mums or root cuttings. Dig and container -grown plants in flower may be divide dahlias.

8 Planted. Bulbs Prune climbing roses after the first big flush of flowering. Plant gladiolus, fancy-leaved caladiums, milk and wine lilies, and ginger and gloriosa lilies. Feed bearded iris with superphosphate and spray for borers. alabama Gardener's Calendar 3. Annuals and Perennials Annuals and Perennials Late plantings of bedding plants still have Keep old flower heads removed to promote time to produce. continued flowering. Plant garden mums if Watch for insects on day lilies. not already in. For compact mums, keep tips pinched out. Bulbs Watch for insects and diseases. Summer bulbs started in containers may still be planted. Bulbs Do not remove foliage from spring flowering Foliage may be removed from spring bulbs bulbs. if it has yellowed and is becoming dry. Do not let seedheads form on tulips and Watch for aphids and thrips on summer bulbs.

9 Other spring flowering bulbs. Miscellaneous Miscellaneous If scale insects continue on shrubs, use Mulch new shrub plantings if not already materials other than oils. done. Set houseplants on porch or outdoors in Avoid drying out new shrub, tree, and lawn shade and pay close attention to the need plantings. for water. If desired, air layer houseplants. Vegetable Seed Plant heat-loving and tender vegetables. Vegetable Seed Start cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and celery Plant beans, fieldpeas, pumpkins, squash, in cold frames for the fall garden. corn, cantaloupes, and watermelons. Vegetable Plants Vegetable Plants Plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and Plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and sweet potatoes. sweet potato vine cuttings. June July Fruits and Nuts Fruits and Nuts Layer grapes and continue spray programs.

10 Protect figs and other ripening fruit from Thin apples and peaches if too thick. birds. Shrubs Shrubs Lace bugs may be a problem on azaleas, Continue to root shrub cuttings until late in pyracanthas, dogwoods, cherry laurels, and the month and mulch to keep soil moist. other shrubs. Remove faded blooms promptly from crape Water as needed. Fertilize now. myrtle and other summer-blooming plants. Keep long shoots from developing by pinch- ing out tips. Lawns Take cuttings from semi-mature wood for Watch for diseases. rooting. Mow regularly. Water as needed. Lawns Follow a schedule of fertilization and watering. Roses Lawns should be mowed weekly. Keep roses healthy and actively growing. Planting may continue if soil is moist. Apply fertilizer. Continue weed spraying if necessary. Wash off foliage to prevent burning if any fertilizer falls on plants.