As the winter chill begins to subside, savvy gardeners are already gearing up for the season ahead. February may seem like an unlikely time to get your hands dirty, but according to the experts, there are plenty of gardening tasks you can (and should) tackle this month to ensure a thriving spring and summer landscape. What this really means is that the work you put in now will pay off in spades when the warm weather arrives.
Seed Starting and Plant Propagation
One of the most crucial February gardening jobs is starting seeds indoors. According to the University of Missouri Extension, this is the ideal time to begin sowing annuals like petunias, geraniums, and impatiens. Additionally, certain perennials that require a period of pre-chilling, such as milkweed and liatris, can be planted in trays and refrigerated until they're ready to go in the ground.
For houseplant enthusiasts, late winter is also prime time for taking cuttings of plants like coleus, begonia, and succulents. The MU Extension guide on home propagation has all the tips you need to ensure success with this project.
Pruning and Maintenance
February is the last call for major pruning on your woody ornamentals. Shade tree pruning guidelines and advice for ornamental shrubs from the MU Extension can help ensure you're making the right cuts. Don't forget to also check on any stored summer bulbs and discard any that show signs of decay.
Inside the home, it's a great time to air-layer houseplants like dieffenbachia and rubber tree to propagate new specimens. The home propagation guide covers this technique in detail. And if your indoor plants aren't thriving, it's worth reviewing the five key growing factors - light, temperature, nutrients, moisture, and humidity - to identify and address any issues.
Preparing the Vegetable Garden
While you may not be able to get seeds in the ground just yet, February is an excellent time to start planning and prepping your vegetable garden. The bigger picture here is that getting a head start on tasks like soil testing and amendment will ensure your garden is ready to go when the time comes to plant. Caring for houseplants is also a good refresher if you're looking to bring some greenery indoors.
So while it may still be chilly outside, don't let that stop you from tackling these important February gardening chores. The work you put in now will pay dividends when your landscape bursts into life in the spring.