Are you wondering what to do in the garden in February? The answer depends, of course, on where you call home. Buds may be bursting open in USDA zones 9 to 11, but snow is still flying in northern climates. That makes this transitional weather month the ideal time to make a gardening to-do list specially designed for your region.
Northeast
The winter blues can make monthly garden chores a bit dreary. Hang in there! Spring is right around the corner.
- Start cool-season vegetables in the house. Try Brussels sprouts or kohlrabi this year.
- Clean the freezer and cupboards. Inventory food you preserved last fall.
- Clean up downed tree limbs following ice storms. Gently brush heavy snow off bushes and shrubs to prevent damage.
Central Ohio Valley
Shoveling snow is a predictable chore this month but includes indoor tasks on the gardening to-do list too.
- Start Early Girl tomatoes and patio-type seedlings for container gardening.
- Make an appointment for lawn mower maintenance.
- Prune grapevines, fruit trees, and blueberry bushes.
Upper Midwest
February can be the snowiest month in parts of this region and temperatures can dip to single digits. To keep warm, try these gardening tips for February:
- Start indoor lettuce, onions, and celery.
- Organize equipment. Discard broken tools and cracked planters.
- Check perennial beds for frost heave. Apply mulch to protect roots, if needed.
Northern Rockies and Central Plains
February in the garden is snow-covered and barren. Curl up next to that cozy fire and dream big for the upcoming growing season.
- Check grow lights and seed-starting equipment.
- Scratch that gardening itch by growing hydroponic herbs in the kitchen.
- Order spring bulbs to fill empty spots in the flowerbeds.
Northwest
Warmer temperatures signal when it's time to start those outdoor monthly garden chores. Focus on preparing for the upcoming growing season.
- Plant fruit trees, roses, and cool-season vegetable crops.
- Divide perennials like hosta and sedum before they begin growing.
- Purchase seed potatoes for planting next month.
Southeast
Warmer weather is on its way, but don't be caught short by a surprise snowstorm. Protect those fruit trees from unexpected blasts of cold. Here are some more gardening tips for February:
- Prune Butterfly Bush and Rose of Sharon.
- Direct-sow cool-season crops like leaf lettuce and spinach.
- Plant perennial vegetables like rhubarb and asparagus.
South
There's no question of what to do in the garden this month. Spring has arrived along with a multitude of garden tasks.
- Mulch strawberry beds in the north, begin harvesting in southern areas.
- Prune and fertilize rose bushes.
- Check out the cherry blossoms at the local arboretum, park, or public garden.
Desert Southwest
February in the garden is bliss for the desert southwest. Temperatures are moderate and rainfall remains light.
- Check cacti and succulents for frost damage. Trim as needed.
- Spray fruit trees with neem oil to prevent aphids.
- Direct sow radishes, carrots, and beets.
West
With the growing season underway in the warmer portions of this region, it's time to pull out your tools and get busy on that gardening to-do list.
- Snails can be problematic this month. Check for damage and bait those snail traps.
- Begin tilling and prepping garden beds in zones 7 and 8. Plant in zones 9 and 10.
- Apply dormant sprays to fruit trees before the buds open.