February may be the last full month of winter, but for gardeners and garden enthusiasts, it's prime time to prep for the blooming season ahead. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or simply appreciate the beauty of a well-tended yard, there's no shortage of tasks to tackle this time of year. What this really means is that February is a crucial moment to lay the groundwork for a bountiful, lush spring and summer.
Time to Prune and Prepare
One of the top priorities for gardeners in February is pruning - and not just for fruit trees. According to the Oregon State University Extension Service, it's also time to prune and train grapes, blueberries, raspberries, and deciduous summer-blooming shrubs. The bigger picture here is that proper pruning not only shapes plants for aesthetic appeal, but also promotes healthy growth and, in the case of fruit trees, a bountiful harvest.
Beyond pruning, February is the ideal time to tackle other key garden prep work. Rogue Compost suggests tuning up lawn mowers and garden tools, dealing with pesky gophers and moles, and giving the entire landscape a thorough once-over to identify any issues that need addressing before spring arrives.
Planting and Plotting
While the ground may still be frozen in many regions, February is also an opportune moment to get a head start on planting. According to the University of California's Master Gardeners, this is the time to plant bare-root deciduous shrubs and trees, as well as get the ball rolling on vegetables like lettuce, peppers, and tomatoes (at least in warmer climates). And for those who want to add some culinary flair to their yard, February is prime time to plan and plant an herb garden.
The bottom line is that whether you're a seasoned green thumb or simply appreciate the beauty of a well-tended garden, February is a pivotal month to roll up your sleeves and get to work. By tackling key tasks like pruning, prepping, and planting now, you'll be setting the stage for a lush, vibrant growing season ahead.