February Garden Calendar
Vegetables and Fruits
- Draw garden layouts to assist with the planning process.
- Review garden notes about successes and failure in the garden.
- Order seeds for spring planting.
- Select varieties and order new fruit trees.
- Take a soil test if one has not been done the last five years.
- Start broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage transplants.
- Prune:
- Fruit trees like apples, pears and cherries.
- Peach and nectarines just prior to bloom time.
- Grapes, raspberries, and blackberries.
- Incorporate manure or compost into garden areas for soil improvement.
- Avoid working the soil when it is wet.
- Check dates on stored seed packets. Sprout a few from each packet in a moist paper towel. Discard packets with poor results.
Flowers
- Start seeds for transplanting in the spring.
- Check fall planted perennials and water if needed.
- Watch for frost heaving of tender perennials and cover if needed.
- Replenish winter mulch around roses and other plants.
- Check bulbs in storage and discard if rotted.
- Prepare catalog orders.
Lawns
- To prevent lawn suffocation, rake fallen leaves.
- Review lawn service contracts and make changes.
- Tune up and repair the mower to get a jump on the season.
- Avoid injury to the lawn when the soil is frozen by keeping foot traffic to a minimum.
Trees and Shrubs
- Check for rabbit damage on young trees and shrubs.
- Water fall planted trees, shrubs, and evergreens if the soil is dry and not frozen.
- Apply dormant oil for control of scale and mites.
- Prune:
- Begin spring pruning. However, do not prune spring flowering trees and shrubs until after bloom.
- Cut twigs and branches of spring shrubs and bring them indoors to add a splash of spring color.
- Carefully remove snow from limbs with a broom.
- On warm days, prepare garden soil for early planting.
Houseplants
- Check plants for insects, mites or other problems and treat as needed.
- Withhold fertilization until spring arrives.
- Remove dust build up on plants by placing in the shower and washing off.
- Water as needed, avoid letting roots set in water.
- Keep plants out of hot or cold drafts.
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