Well, gardening friends, February is here, and our gardens are acting accordingly. Daffodils and hyacinths are starting to make an appearance, no matter the weather.
By now you may have noticed that daylight hours are becoming longer. Depending on where you live, the temps may have started to climb. Perhaps you’ve even seen your first robins. All are welcoming signs of spring.
Though spring is still a month away, now is the time to gather your garden tools from the shed. Why? February is the month to tidy up, prune and start some planting. This will put you a step ahead of all the other gardening tasks you’ll have to do when warmer days are here to stay.
Here’s a list of February garden chores:
- Prune back hybrid tea roses and repeat bloomers.
- Trim boxwoods to desired shape.
- Cut back Liriope (aka Monkey Grass) so new growth will have a lush look.
- Fertilize established clumps of rhubarb. I recommend a fish/seaweed blend.
- Check all your seed packets for planting dates and germination time.
- Start your perennial and biennial seeds. They normally take longer to germinate. And remember, biennials will take two years to bloom.
- Identify bare spots in your garden where you’d like to add more color and beauty. Mark those areas with stones.
- If you want to plant the spring bulbs you forced indoors this winter, be sure to keep their foliage healthy after the blooms fade. At the first sign that your soil is dry and warming, plant the bulbs outside. Then let the foliage die back naturally for next growing season.
It seems that many gardeners have been experiencing a late winter. Of course, it depends on where you garden. And that’s why you need to know your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. Always keep your hardiness zone in mind when placing orders, sowing seeds and planting—it will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
We’re all so looking forward to watching seeds sprout and grow into little plants—and of course seeing those daffodils and hyacinths come into full bloom. It won’t be long now. Focus on your February gardening tasks and before you know it, the color and beauty of spring will soon be here.
It’s a pleasure to share a bit of gardening cheer with you.
Happy Gardening,
Pamela Anthony
Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden