If frost is expected, water thoroughly. Also, pull mulch away from plants to allow warmth from ground to rise up. Cover tender plants with a sheet or blanket. Take care with using plastic as this can fry the plants after the sun comes up.
Check to see that irrigaton is working properly.
Do not do any heavy pruning or fertilizing, as this will cause abundant new growth that could be damaged by cold weather. Some tropicals, especially heliconias, will appreciate a nutritional spray. You may lightly prune roses.
There is still time to put out annuals and vegetables.
If we get a cold snap, leave the brown foliage on the plants until March. This will help protect against any future cold damage.
Keep checking irrigation system, we are well into the dry season.
Check for signs of fungus or crown rot developing on cold damaged plants.
All vegetables and annuals can be planted this month but will die out by May. Other plants, such as trees and shrubs may be planted as well. Keep all new plants well watered for the first two weeks, watering every day. After this initial period, water every 2-3 days until wet season begins. Make sure to water in the morning to give the leaves time to dry off. This will prevent fungal leaf spotting, which can be a problem in winter months.
Wait for new shoots to emerge at the end of the month before pruning.
As the weather warms up, you will see a lot of new growth. Now is the time to fertilize. Use a good palm fertilizer on all plantings. Make sure to water deeply during this period of new growth.
