February within the Southern U.S. is a transition month—winter is fading, however heat days combine with chilly snaps. With gentle temperatures and early indicators of spring, now’s the time to arrange for the rising season.
Right here’s a detailed to-do listing to get your backyard in form for spring!
1. Prune Timber and Shrubs
February is prime time for pruning within the South. Most deciduous timber and shrubs are nonetheless dormant, making this the proper time to form them with out stressing new progress.
- In the reduction of lifeless, broken, or crossing branches on fruit timber, crepe myrtles, roses, and hydrangeas.
- Prune roses by eradicating weak stems and reducing again hybrid teas to about 18 inches.
- Keep away from pruning spring-blooming shrubs like azaleas and camellias now—wait till after they flower.
- Use sharp, sanitized instruments to stop illness unfold and encourage wholesome, vigorous progress come spring.
2. Plant Cool-Season Greens
Within the South, February is a good time to plant cool-season crops that thrive in gentle temperatures earlier than the warmth arrives.
- Direct seed lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots, beets, and mustard greens in well-prepared soil.
- Transplant broccoli, cabbage, collards, and kale from indoor seedlings or nursery begins.
- Use row covers to guard towards late frosts and prolong the rising season.
- Maintain soil evenly moist, however don’t overwater—soggy soil encourages root rot.
3. Fertilize Fruit Timber and Shrubs
Early February is a good time to fertilize fruit timber earlier than they begin energetic progress.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) across the drip line of fruit timber like peaches, plums, and apples.
- Blueberries and azaleas desire an acidic fertilizer with ammonium sulfate.
- Keep away from excessive nitrogen on flowering shrubs like camellias—an excessive amount of will scale back blooms.
- Scratch the fertilizer evenly into the soil and water totally to assist vitamins soak in.
4. Begin Heat-Season Greens Indoors
Whereas it’s too early to plant heat-loving crops exterior, February is the excellent time to start out seeds indoors.
- Begin tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants in seed trays below develop lights.
- Use a high-quality seed-starting combine and maintain the soil persistently moist however not soggy.
- Transplants will likely be prepared for the backyard in March or April as soon as temperatures are secure.
5. Refresh Mulch in Backyard Beds
Mulching helps regulate soil temperature, scale back weeds, and retain moisture as spring approaches.
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch round perennials, timber, and shrubs.
- Use natural mulch like pine straw, shredded leaves, or hardwood bark.
- Maintain mulch a number of inches away from plant stems to stop rot and pests.
6. Test for Pests and Deal with Early
With warming temperatures, overwintering pests are waking up.
- Examine vegetation for aphids, scale, and spider mites—deal with early earlier than infestations develop.
- Apply dormant oil to fruit timber and roses to smother insect eggs.
- Use neem oil or insecticidal cleaning soap for natural pest management.
7. Divide and Transplant Perennials
February is right for dividing and transplanting hardy perennials earlier than new progress begins.
- Divide daylilies, hostas, and irises if they’re overcrowded.
- Replant divisions instantly with compost-rich soil for higher progress.
- Water nicely and mulch evenly to guard towards temperature swings.
8. Put together Soil for Spring Planting
Get backyard beds prepared for March planting by enhancing soil construction now.
- Add compost, aged manure, or peat moss to spice up natural matter.
- Until or flip over the soil to aerate and forestall compaction.
- Check soil pH and alter as wanted (add lime for acidic soil and sulfur for alkaline soil).
9. Plant Hardy Annual Flowers
Give your backyard early colour with flowers that may deal with cool climate.
- Direct sow poppies, snapdragons, alyssum, and larkspur.
- Transplant pansies, violas, and dusty miller for long-lasting blooms.
- Fertilize evenly to encourage sturdy root growth.
10. Garden Care – Begin Pre-Emergent Weed Management
Forestall crabgrass and broadleaf weeds earlier than they sprout!
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide in late February to early March.
- Keep away from utilizing weed killers in case you plan to overseed your garden this spring.
- Mow lawns excessive to guard rising progress.
11. Trim Decorative Grasses
In the reduction of decorative grasses like fountain grass and pampas grass earlier than new shoots emerge.
- Trim to about 6 inches above the bottom.
- Take away lifeless foliage to permit daylight and airflow.
- Divide massive clumps if wanted for more healthy regrowth.
12. Begin Summer time Bulbs Indoors
Get a head begin on summer time blooms by planting bulbs in pots indoors.
- Begin gladiolus, caladiums, and dahlias in containers.
- Maintain in a heat, sunny location till it’s time to transplant outdoor.
- Use moist, well-draining soil to stop rot.
13. Defend Towards Late Frosts
Even within the South, shock frosts can happen in February.
- Maintain frost cloths or outdated blankets useful for cold-sensitive vegetation.
- Water vegetation earlier than a freeze to insulate roots.
- Cowl tender seedlings with straw or floating row covers.
14. Test and Restore Irrigation Methods
Earlier than the rising season begins, guarantee your irrigation system works correctly.
- Check drip irrigation traces and sprinklers for leaks.
- Regulate sprinkler heads for even water protection.
- Clear clogged nozzles to make sure good water circulate.
15. Order Seeds and Crops
Get forward of the spring rush by ordering seeds, bulbs, and transplants now.
- Select heat-tolerant varieties for summer time planting.
- Order fruit timber and berry bushes for March planting.
- Replenish on fertilizers, pest management merchandise, and backyard instruments.
Closing Ideas
You’ll set your self up for a thriving spring backyard by checking off these February gardening duties!
Taking the time to prune, fertilize, plant, and prep your soil now will save effort and time within the busy months forward.
🌱 Completely happy gardening! 🌿💚
