Take to the garden this month

February is the time to plant spring gardens, according to experts at Agromin, a Camarillo-based manufacturer of soil products, who offer the following tips:

•Prune roses now: Prune rose bushes to encourage springtime growth. Using a sharp tool, begin at the base of the bush and cleanly cut limbs at 45degree angles, ¼inch above a bud. Open the center of the plant to let in light and air circulation. Remove dead and straggly branches.

•Plant herbs and coolweather vegetables: Herbs such as parsley, oregano and thyme can be planted now. Winter vegetables, including beets, radishes, turnips, rutabaga, Swiss chard, peas and parsnip, will be ready to harvest in late winter and early spring.

•Plant flowers and spring bulbs: Pansies, violas and primroses provide good winter and spring blooms. Spring bulbs, including gladiolus and dahlia, can be planted now. They may start to grow early if the winter is mild, but growing bulbs can withstand cold and even freezing temperatures.

•Upgrade gardening equipment: Gardening equipment upkeep is sometimes neglected during the prime growing months. Winter is a good time to clean and sharpen shears and replace belts and oil in trimmers and lawn mowers to ready the tools for spring.

•Make sure potted plants are watered: Outdoor potted plants need water, even in winter. The winter sun can quickly dry out plants. Water less if it has been raining, but soil should be kept moist. Indoor plants can also quickly dry out, especially if exposed to warm air from heaters and fireplaces.

For more planting and gardening tips, visit www.agromin.com.