Taking the first steps towards a successful garden is truly exciting, especially this time of year. February can be chilly and wet, but that doesn’t mean your dream garden has to wait until spring! Though it may sound daunting at first, there are plenty of easy gardening tips you can use right now to get your garden going in no time. From prepping the soil to simple planting techniques – we’ve got all the essential advice you need for prosperous February gardening. Let’s dig in and explore some of the ways you can set yourself up for success this season!
Here are some essential gardening tasks for February:
1. Prune Trees and Shrubs
Now that it’s starting to warm up a bit in February, you can prune trees and shrubs before new growth begins. Make sure to prune shrubs just before they bud and keep an eye out for any dead or diseased branches. Deciduous trees benefit from a late-winter cleanup.
2. Plant Cool-Season Veggies
February is the perfect time to get your cool-season veggies in the ground. Some popular options include onions, lettuce, kale, spinach, carrots and peas.
Make sure to prepare the soil beforehand with compost and fertilizer.
3. Mulch Your Garden Beds
Use a layer of organic mulch such as shredded bark or straw to keep weeds down, protect plants from extreme temperatures, retain moisture in the soil and give it a neat appearance.
4. Prune Roses
February is also a good time to prune your roses, making sure to remove any dead or diseased canes and trimming back the bush by about one-third.
5. Fertilize
Give your plants a nutrient boost with organic gardening fertilizer. This will help them grow strong and healthy for the upcoming season.
6. Clay Pots
Got crusty clay pots? Revive them with a simple cleaning solution of white vinegar and household bleach. For more stubborn stains, try soaking the pots for 12 hours in your mixture before scrubbing gently with steel wool to bring back their shine!
7. Landscaping Pros
Get ahead of the game this spring by hiring some help for your garden! Landscaping pros are in hot demand during these months, so book now to ensure you get a spot on their schedule.
8. Perennials
Check perennials and other tender plants to make sure the root balls haven’t raised up out of the ground due to frost heave.
Conclusion
February is the month to start getting your yard and garden ready for spring. Although it may seem like there’s not much to do, there are actually quite a few chores that need to be done in order to get your space ready for warmer weather. By taking care of these things now, you’ll be able to enjoy your garden all season long. Plus, who doesn’t love the smell of fresh cut grass? If you’re looking for more tips on how to get your yard and garden ready for spring, be sure to sign up for my weekly email. You’ll receive plenty of helpful advice, as well as some fun stories from my adventures in gardening. So what are you waiting for? Get outside and enjoy the fresh air!
Happy Gardening!