Annuals

February plantings of larkspur, sweet peas, stock, cornflower and poppies will give good results. Throughout most of this region pansy plants can be transplanted during February and will give color until mid-June. As soon as they are established, mulch with two inches of well-rotted compost or feed with a balanced fertilizer and mulch with a material to prevent undue drying out.

Spring Bulbs

These happy harbingers of spring begin popping through the soil and some of the early ones may flower during the latter part of the month. Keep the soil where these are developing clear of debris, especially winter mulches that have not decayed, and apply lightly a fungicide to prevent disease damage.

Light feeding with liquid food and heavy watering will increase the length of stem and quality of bloom.

Lawns

Top-dressings of lawns or any similar garden planning tasks may be started in the lower part of this region and continued throughout the region next month. This top-dressing design is to correct uneven areas and washes that may have occurred during the winter. Mow the grass short in order to work the soil or compost well into the stolons of the grass.

This is not a growth stimulant, but a mechanical operation to improve the grade surface of the lawn which will make for easier mowing and more level lawn areas.

Vegetables

In this region the early garden is usually a better bet. The early vegetables may be started this month the cole crops (cabbage, broccoli, etc.) onion sets, mustard, lettuce, chard, spinach, English peas and turnips. Begin seed of tomatoes, eggplants and peppers in hot bed, cold frame, or sunny window in order to have plants ready as soon as weather permits the planting of these „warm weather crops.

Plan the planting of your vegetables according to your family needs and wishes. Plant according to the amounts needed. A very decorative planting of vegetables is possible, especially as a kitchen garden, and will have both a functional value and aesthetic appeal. Include some of the herbs in this garden for interesting foliage (for arrangements) and a source of culinary flavorings. Be on the lookout for the All-America selections in vegetables and try some this season.