FEBRUARY 341 



The fall sodding- of lawns and banks may be done this month. 

 The wet season of the winter will keep it moist until spring when 

 growth will begin. Sod moved carefully before the ground freezes 

 is almost sure to grow. 



This is a good time to plant hardy roses including bushes and 

 climbers. 



December. — As soon as the ground freezes mulch the shrubs, 

 trees and strawberry patches. Lawns should be dressed with a 

 winter covering of half-rotted barnyard manure. This can remain 

 until growth starts next spring. A little lime with the manure 

 will help. 



Try forcing some strawberries in the hot bed. Use thrifty, 

 potted plants. Water them well and put them in a fresh hot bed 

 for growth. The work is at least interesting if not profitable. 



Late in December is a good time to spray for San Jose' scale on 

 those trees which are worst affected. 



Pruning the orchard trees should be done this month if the 

 weather is favorable. Select good days for the work and begin as 

 soon as the leaves are off. If the pruning can be completed before 

 the spraying begins it will make the work of spraying more effec- 

 tive and save expense. 



WORK BY MONTHS IN NORTHERN STATES 



January. — This is a good month for pruning trees, vines, and 

 shrubs. Winter spraying may be commenced on bright days late 

 in this month. 



The strawberry bed should be well mulched, or if this were done 

 in the fall, see that the wind has not opened the mulch and exposed 

 the bed anywhere. Replace good litter on the bare spots and 

 cover with boards or brush to keep it from blowing away. 



If there are scions and stocks available, this is a good time for 

 making root grafts of plums, pears, and apples. Scions may be 

 taken from the trees at this season, and kept in wet sawdust in the 

 cellar until used. Stocks may be purchased from large nurseries. 

 Store the grafts when made, as you would the scions. 



February. — Get catalogs of nursery trees and bush fruits. Select 

 the varieties and make your order early for the spring shipment. 



Fruit trees and bush fruits should be sprayed with lime-sulfur 

 solution to control the San Jos6 scale. This will also destroy spores 

 of disease lurking in the bark. Barnyard manure should be applied 

 to the garden during the winter months. 



All outdoor winter pruning should be completed this month. 



