By Mike Isbell
University of Georgia

I told myself I’m going to prune those overgrown Burford hollies
at my house this year. But I’m going to wait until the end of
February before I prune. That way, I can see what Mother Nature’s
going to do.

You see, pruning can stimulate plant growth. It’s not unusual to
get warm periods and new plant growth during February and early
March. A late March freeze could kill that new, tender growth. So
I’m not going to be too quick and jump the gun on pruning.

There are other things I can do in the yard in the meantime, like
soil testing.

Plan ‘B’

The University of Georgia Extension Service recommends soil
testing every three years or so. It’s been at least that long
since I last had my soil tested.

So I’ll get a soil test this year. Actually, I should have done
that in the fall so if I found out I need limestone to raise the
soil’s pH, I could have put it out in the fall.

A soil test is an important tool. It will help me determine what
kind and amount of fertilizer to use. Since all plants don’t
require the same amounts of fertilizer and the same soil pH, a
soil test will help eliminate the guesswork — so I’m not
“shooting in the dark.”

Plan ‘C’

I’ve got one spot in my front yard that needs some grass
replanted. I’ll need to prepare the soil in that area by tilling
before I plant. That will be the best time to mix any fertilizer
or limestone into the soil.

But I’ll have to wait until the soil is dry enough in the spring
to till it. I can really create problems if the ground is too wet
and I till or plow anyway.

A good test is to mold a handful of soil in my hand. If the ball
isn’t sticky but crumbles readily when I press it with my thumb,
the soil is ready to be worked.

Now what?

Well, lets see. It’s too early to prune and it’s too wet to till
up that spot in my yard. Besides, it’s too early to plant that
grass. It may even be too wet to get a soil test.

I think I’ll just get the lawn mower fixed.

(Mike Isbell is the Heard County Extension Coordinator with
the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and
Environmental Sciences.)