February Gardening Tips

What to Plant in February

If you haven’t already planted cruciferous crops, such as broccoli and cabbage, there is still time to do so in February.  As a matter a fact you can plant these cold hardy plants to the middle of August!  This will ensure that you have a steady flow of your favorite vegetables throughout the prime harvest months for these cold weather crops.

In our area, you may be able to directly plant:

During February, you also may want to consider starting a few window planting boxes inside.  Herbs would be ideal, as well as carrots, lettuce, spinach and radishes.  These plantings will provide you with a little bit of a reprieve while you wait for your full garden to come on.

Plant Schedule Adjusting

This planting schedule should be adjusted for areas with later planting dates. However, there is quite a bit of flexibility to this schedule.  For example, tomatoes need at least six weeks of indoor growing time before they are strong enough for outdoor planting conditions after the threat of frost is past.  They can survive for quite awhile in a moderately sized planting container and do just fine.

If you plant too early and you notice that your seedlings are outgrowing their cells, it is an easy fix.  Just repot them in a bigger container and they’ll last until the climate is hospitable for planting.

Garden Jobs in February

  • Soil should be turned and cultivated during February, if it hasn’t already been done before.
  • Add organic matter to your planting beds.
  • If you have trees or shrubs that need transplanting, it should be done before they break dormancy.

Pest Control

Pests are still not a big issue in February.  However, you should still keep a close eye on all plants that are already in the ground to catch any problems as they appear.  Spend this time researching the pests that are a problem in the area and the best home garden tips to deal with those issues.  Order any supplies that you might need for pest control when the garden is planted out.

Home Garden Tips For Fertilizing

February is a good time to fertilize trees and shrubs. Make sure you use the correct type for each tree. Evergreens have different needs than deciduous trees, for example.  Also, you may want to mulch around your trees as well.

Don’t neglect your roses either, they could benefit from a early feeding so they are primed to give strong growth when the weather starts to warm.