Tasks for February
Cuttings rooted early last month can be potted into smaller pots. After a week or two, give them their first stop to encourage the desired bushy growth.
Composts should be kept just moist until the roots start to fill the pots. Then more water can be given.
This month the days begin to draw out. If your plants are in a greenhouse spray stems with tepid water to soften the wood and encourage the growth of new shoots. Now, more than ever, you should keep an eye out for pests. Plants that are clear one day can be covered with aphids the next. Prevention is better than cure so spray with an insecticide fortnightly, but remember to vary the types of spray as resistance is soon built up. If you don’t wish to use chemicals use soft soap (Stergene) at the rate of a cupful to two gallons of water. Do not use washing up liquid as these contain chemicals that may be harmful to the plants. When the pests have been eradicated rinse the plant with fresh water to stop the pores getting blocked. Now is the time that a few cuttings may be taken if you have a heated greenhouse, or by using a propagator or windowsill (out of direct sun).
