Fertilizing Schedule:

• Apple Trees: When dormant, between January and March, fertilize using 10-10-10 plus micronutrients (especially zinc and boron). 1-lb. (2 cups) fertilizer for each year of age, up to 7.5 lbs. total.
• Blueberries (Newly Planted): Fertilize the top of the soil using 12-4-8 plus 2% magnesium, from urea nitrogen or ammoniacal nitrogen rather than nitrate. 1-oz. (2 TBS.) per plant. “Blueberry Special” or “Camellia-Azalea” fertilizer are good choices.
• Pear Trees: Apply 6-6-6 or 8-8-8 fertilizer, ½ lb. (1 cup) per year of age up to 5-lbs. total. Excessive fertilization should be avoided as it may make the tree more susceptible to fire blight.
• Peach, Nectarine & Plum Trees: Fertilize late in January with 1 to 1.5 lbs. (2-3 cups) with 12-4-8 fertilizer plus micronutrients.

Pest Control:

• Apply horticultural oil spray to control scale on citrus trees, camellias, deciduous fruit trees, and sago palms while plants are dormant.

Pruning:

• Grape Vines: Remove tendrils and branches not needed for spurs and fruiting arms, leaving 2-3 buds per spur.
• Crape myrtle: Remove seed pods, crossing branches, and small twiggy growth.
• Prune trees and shrubs that are non-spring blooming. Remove cross branches.

Planting:

• Camellias
• Bulbs: Crinum, Agapanthus, Gloriosa
• Annuals/Bedding Plants: Dianthus, Pansy, Petunia, Viola, Snapdragon
• Fruit Trees
• Blueberries

Vegetable Seeds:

• Select which warm season vegetable plants you would like to grow this year.
• Order seeds from seed companies or purchase from local retail stores.
• Purchase or gather seed starting supplies: pots, seed starting trays, seed starting mix, heat mats, grow lights, etc.