February in Hampton Roads - that time of year when the weather can't make up its mind. Gardeners are yearning for spring, which is still 43 days away. This month can still be a productive one in the garden - both for planning and doing. Finish up most pruning chores by the end of the month, mark boundaries for new beds, and take soil samples to prepare for planting season.

Begin looking at your roses this month. Prune away dead, broken, or diseased canes as soon as possible, cutting back to a cross section with no signs of discoloration. Roses can be pruned to shape or maintain appropriate size, but timing is important. Roses can generally be pruned in February and March, so look at the buds to determine the correct timing. Prune when the buds begin to swell using sharp pruners to make clean, even cuts at a slant so that water runs off the cut stem. It is a good idea to disinfect pruning shears as you work by dipping into a 70% alcohol solution. This will help prevent the spread of disease from one rose bush to another. For more information on rose care, selection, and pruning, see this publication from North Carolina State Extension.

A new invasive insect was spotted in Virginia in January 2018. The Spotted Lanternfly was found in Frederick County. This insect has the ability to spread rapidly when introduced to a new area due to its having over 70 host plants and no natural native enemies. Virginia Cooperative Extension has released a Fact Sheet concerning this pest, which includes reporting instructions if you think you see evidence of the insect. See below for photos of the Spotted Lanternfly at different life stages. Both the adult and immature stages feed on phloem and excrete honeydew, which contributes to the formation of sooty mold and often attracts other insects.

Happy Gardening!

Have gardening questions? Help is available year round through the Master Gardener Help Desk by calling 757-385-8156 or email your question to vbmghelp@vbgov.com . 

The gray smear in the first photo is the Spotted Lanternfly egg mass. The second photo shows two stages of immature insects, and the last two photos show the adult with wings folded and unfolded to display full color. Photo credit: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org.

January in the Garden

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Jill Wright at 757-385-4769 during the business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. TDD number (800) 828-1120.  

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Interim Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.