GARDENING CALENDAR

LYNN RAWE, COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT – HORTICULTURE

TEXAS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

FEBRUARY 5, 2005

• Prune hybrid bush roses during February. To help you remember, think “Valentines Day – Roses!” Use good shears that will make clean cuts. Remove dead, dying, and weak canes. Leave four to eight healthy canes, and remove approximately one-half of the top growth and height of the plant. Antique or “old roses” can also be pruned, but only to remove dead wood, and slightly shape. Do not remove more than one-third of the top growth.
• When pruning shrubs, first prune out any dead or damaged branches, then thin out by removing about one-third of the canes or stems at ground level, removing the oldest canes only. Finally, shape the rest of the plant, but do not cut everything back to the same height.
• Plant dahlia tubers in late February and early March.
• Climbing roses should be trained but not pruned. Weave long canes through openings in trellises or arbors and tie them with jute twine or plastic/wire plant ties. Securing canes now prevents damage from winter winds, and contributes toward a more refined look to the garden when roses are blooming. Wait until after the spring flowering period to prune climbing or once-blooming shrub roses.