Gardening in February

What To Do in the Garden

 

February may well be the toughest gardening month. Thank goodness it’s short. Gardeners in warm climates don’t know what kind of weather to expect from day to day or from day to night. Gardeners in cold climates have put the holidays behind them and just want to see the sun shine again.

But that doesn’t stop the true gardener from working on his garden. February is for planning and for seeing the first signs that spring is around the corner.

And it is especially for pruning. So take advantage of those rare sunny days and get back in your garden.

Here are some regional tips for gardening in February. However since February weather is so unpredictable, you’ll have to use some judgement.

Cold Regions (USDA Hardiness Zone 7 and Lower)

• Finish up your catalog shopping and get your seed and plant orders in
• Prune trees and shrubs, both ornamentals and fruit
• Check flower beds for plants that may have died
• Replace mulch as needed
• Check outside plants and trees for animal damage
• Cut some branches for forcing indoors
• Rejuvenate holly bushes with a hard pruning
• Check evergreens for sign of desiccation
• Start seeds of cool season vegetables and flowers