February - Tomatoes & Potatoes

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By Janice Brown
February is a big month as well as a tricky month for Texas gardeners. The gorgeous spring like weather coupled with 2-3 freezes can make us go from joy to sorrow in a matter of just a few days. However, there are a couple of constants you can count on doing in February that will make you a winner in the garden regardless of the weather. For the vegetable gardener get your tomato plants ready and plant potatoes.
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So let’s start with our tomatoes. Tomatoes are a favorite and if you plan to grow any this year it’s time to get ready. Purchase your plants as early as you can and keep them feed, watered, and safe from freezes. To do so buy larger sized plants or transfer small plants to larger pots as soon as you get them home. Our window for growing tomatoes in the spring down south can be a little small so you want to get your plants ready to start producing as quickly as possible. Now here’s the tricky part. So you think, “Why transfer them to a larger pot? Shouldn’t I just plant them and just be done with it?” Well that’s a “Yes” and “No.” Remember I told you about those freezes we usually have in February? Well that would be a “No,” because a freeze could wipe out young plants. Now if you want make row covers and you are sure you will go out and cover your babies when a potential freeze is forecasted, then by all means, plant in the ground. If not, get them in a larger pot so that they don’t dry out and the roots have room to expand. Keep them watered regularly and water with an organic liquid feed at ½ strength once a week. Make sure to move plants inside in threat of a freeze. Your plant should be a good size by March and probably have a few small tomatoes on it.


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