February What To Do Now Calendar

Care for houseplants – Clean foliage, water regularly and fertilize. Repot as necessary. For more information on caring for houseplants, go to the Bayer Advanced houseplant page. To feed and protect from insects, use Bayer Advanced™ 2-in-1 Insect Control plus Fertilizer Plant Spikes – no spraying, no mess. Just push the spikes into the soil for up to eight weeks of nutrition and protection. To control existing insects, use Bayer Advanced™ Dual Action Rose & Flower Insect Killer Ready-To-Use.

Check landscape trees – Examine lower trunks for chewing damage from mice and other rodents. If necessary, protect with plastic trunk guards available at nurseries and garden centers.

Control garden weeds – Garden weeds are easiest to control when young. Use an appropriate herbicide, hoe or pull by hand. (Be sure to take care in applying herbicides to prevent spray drift from damaging desirable plants.)

Control indoor/outdoor pests – To control insects like spiders, fleas and ants, use Bayer Advanced™ Home Pest Control Indoor & Outdoor Insect Killer Ready-To-Spray, which can be used both outdoors and indoors (indoor use provides up to 12 months’ insect protection). If just outdoor ants are your problem and you prefer to use a granule, use Bayer Advanced™ Triple Action Ant Killer Granules. For easier-than-ever control of roaches, use Bayer Advanced™ Dual Action Roach Killer Power Pen® Ready-To-Use. For more information, visit the Bayer Advanced home pest control Web page.

Control moss and algae – Cool, moist weather promotes growth of moss and algae on sides of homes, roofs and patios, and in lawns. Control with Bayer Advanced™ 2-in-1 Moss & Algae Killer Ready-To-Spray. It kills within hours and protects for months.

Control slugs and snails – Protect flowers, vegetables and other tender plants with Bayer Advanced™ Dual Action Snail & Slug Killer Bait Granules. It’s safe to use around pets and wildlife.

Fertilize – Keep annual and vegetable plants healthy and vigorous with a complete fertilizer. Also feed citrus, landscape trees and shrubs.

Landscape – Nurseries are full of bare-root trees, shrubs (including roses) and vines. And don’t forget camellias and azaleas.

Plant flowers – Plant cool-season annuals like pansies, violas and primrose for winter-spring bloom. Purchase 4-inch or gallon sizes for instant effect. Also plant summer bulbs such as gladiolus and dahlia. Protect from insect pests with Bayer Advanced™ .

Plant vegetables and herbs – Plant cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and chard for winter-spring harvest. Also plant herbs such as parsley, thyme and oregano. Protect vegetables listed on the label from insect pests with Bayer Advanced™ PowerForce® Multi-Insect Killer Ready-To-Spray or Bayer Advanced™ .

Prepare equipment – If you haven't done so, prepare mowers, trimmers and edgers for the coming season. Sharpen blades, change oil and perform other maintenance according to label instructions.

Prune – Before growth begins, finish pruning roses and other deciduous plants and fruit trees. For tips on how to prune roses, go here.

Water – Winter sun can dry out pots. Water as needed. Elsewhere, water less as the weather cools, but don’t let new transplants, vegetables or annuals dry out. When possible, turn off automatic sprinkler systems watering established plants. Deep-water trees and shrubs during extended dry spells.