February Garden Tasks & To-Dos

Garden Guide
Written By Michelle Cannon Smith

Can you believe it's already February? The days are getting longer, and there's a hint of spring in the air here in Georgia. It's the perfect time to roll up our sleeves and give our gardens some much-needed love. So, grab your favorite gardening gloves, and let's dive into our February garden tasks with enthusiasm and joy!

1. Plan and Dream Big

February is all about planning and setting the stage for a bountiful garden. Take some time to:

  • Browse Seed Catalogs: Curl up with a warm cup of tea and explore seed catalogs. Look for new varieties you'd like to try this year. This company is the first place I start.

  • Sketch Your Garden Layout: Map out where each plant will go, considering their sunlight and space needs.

  • Order Seeds: Place your seed orders early to ensure you get your desired varieties before they sell out.

2. Start Seeds Indoors

Starting seeds indoors gives your plants a head start. Here's how:

  • Choose the Right Seeds: Opt for cool-season vegetables like onions, peas, and brassicas, which thrive in early spring's chill. For my seasoned, southern gardeners, you can start early jalapeños and tomatoes at this time also - northern friends, wait a bit longer.

  • Set Up a Growing Station: Use seed trays and ensure they receive ample light, either from a sunny window or grow lights.

  • Maintain Optimal Conditions: Keep the temperature between 70°F to 75°F and ensure consistent moisture. Best case, you bottom water to minimize waterlogging - for that, I recommend these seedling trays.

3. Prune Trees and Shrubs

Late winter is ideal for pruning. Focus on:

  • Fruit Trees: Prune apple and pear trees to remove dead or diseased branches and improve air circulation.

  • Roses: Prune rose bushes to shape them and encourage healthy growth. 1-2 year old shrub roses, prune down to 12” height. For more mature / healthy shrub roses, 3+ years old, prune to 18”-36” height.

  • Overgrown Shrubs: Trim back overgrown bushes by removing up to one-third of the branches or up to one-third in overall size. But DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT prune azaleas, gardenias or hydrangeas at this time as you will only cut off this Spring’s flowers. For winter blooming camellias, wait until flowering is finished and then prune accordingly.

4. Prepare Garden Beds

Get your garden beds ready for planting:

  • Clean Up Debris: Remove any leftover plant material from last season to prevent pests and diseases.

  • Amend the Soil: Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil with nutrients.

  • Test Soil pH: Conduct a soil test to determine if any adjustments are needed for optimal plant growth.

5. Plant Cool-Season Crops

As the soil becomes workable, consider planting outdoors:

  • Leafy Greens: Spinach, lettuce, and kale can be sown directly into the garden.

  • Root Vegetables: Carrots, radishes, and turnips thrive in the cool temperatures of late winter.

  • Peas: Garden peas can be planted early, ensuring they have support structures to climb.

  • Herbs: Plant cool-weather herbs like cilantro, parsley, fennel & dill.

6. Mulch and Protect

Mulching helps conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature:

  • Apply Mulch: Spread a layer of mulch around perennials and in garden beds to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

  • Protect Early Bloomers: Use fabric covers or cloches to shield early-blooming plants from unexpected frosts.

7. Lawn Care

Prepare your lawn for the growing season:

  • Rake and Aerate: Remove debris and thatch, and aerate the soil to improve air and water penetration.

  • Overseed Bare Spots: Apply grass seed to thin or bare areas to promote a lush lawn.

  • Fertilize: Use a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth.

8. Start a Compost Bin

Composting is a fantastic way to recycle organic waste:

  • Choose a Location: Select a spot that's convenient and has good drainage.

  • Add Materials: Combine green materials (kitchen scraps, grass clippings) with brown materials (dry leaves, straw) to create a balanced compost.

  • Maintain: Turn the compost regularly to aerate and speed up decomposition.

9. Monitor for Pests

Keep an eye out for early signs of pests:

  • Inspect Plants: Regularly check plants for aphids, slugs, and other common pests.

  • Take Action: Remove pests by hand or use natural remedies to keep them under control. My garden go-to can be found here.

10. Enjoy the Process

Remember, gardening is a journey. Take time to:

  • Observe Nature: Notice the budding trees and emerging bulbs signaling the approach of spring. Take out a morning cup of coffee and listen to the birds.

  • Celebrate Small Wins: Rejoice in the first sprouts of your seedlings and the progress of your garden preparations.

  • Connect with Fellow Gardeners: Share your experiences and learn from others in the gardening community.

Embrace the beauty of February and the promise it holds for a flourishing garden. Happy gardening!

-Michelle

Michelle Cannon Smith
Previous

Valentine’s Favorites