Algoplus Garden Blog

Final Prep February! Tips for your spring garden.

Even though it may be cold outside, the gardening bug will still bite!

We are in our last stages of preparation for the spring garden, and with any luck you should begin seeing a few blossoms speckle the landscape this month.

Depending on your zone, you may be able to start some seeds for your spring garden this month.  Read on for more tips for February.

 

 

Watering & Fertilizing

Fertilize fruit trees, young ornamental trees, shrubs (excluding spring flowering plants) and cool season lawns. Just as in January with dry weather, water woody ornamental plants and lawns 24-48 hours before any hard freezes is forecasted.

Soil Prep

The milder days of winter are the perfect time to prepare the soil for your spring garden for planting by tilling the ground at least two weeks before planting to give grass and weeds time to decay. When the ground is dry, work the soil around using a garden fork to loosen the soil. To improve drainage and fertility, mix in organic matter of your choice (compost, manure, etc.).  For more information on vegetable garden preparation, visit our vegetable garden tips section.

Pest and Disease Control

Spray horticultural oil on tree fruits and other landscape plants at risk for disease and insect attack. This oil smothers overwintering insects, eggs, and disease spores.  Apply before leaves appear and no freezes are forecasted for at least 4 hours after application.

Weeds

Apply preemergent weed killer to established planting beds this month, but do not use in areas where you plan to sow seeds. You may choose to manually remove weeds by hand or with a garden tool, or lay paper mulch to kill weeds in any large weed filled areas.

Pruning

If you haven't done so yet, prune roses and strip leaves if the plants are not dormant. You may delay the first buds but it will produce healthier, more attractive plants when they begin flowering. Many trees, except spring-flowering trees, maples or birches, and shrubs can be pruned now. Wait until after flowering to prune spring-flowering trees and early summer for maples or birches. Shrubs should be shaped up and pruned to reduce height or direct growth, but just as with trees, wait until flowering to prune any spring-flowering shrubs.

Planting & Transplanting

For our southern gardeners, add roses and fruits, such as blackberries, pears, figs, muscadines and apples, to your garden this month. Begin planting vegetables, trees, perennials and bedding plants for warmer climates.  Check your specific Hardiness Zone to find out exactly when you should put the plants in the ground. Deciduous shrubs and trees are still dormant, so you can transplant this month if you wish as well as azaleas and other small shrubs. If you are in a warmer climate, you can begin planting tender annuals and vegetables, but don't get caught off guard! Prepare to protect these plants from late-season frost by using pine straw or newspaper. As mentioned before, don't forget to time tilling at least 2 weeks in advance to planting.

Garden Projects

Now is a great time to start those building projects for your garden! Planters, window boxes, arbors or raised garden beds.

 

Check for winter sales at your local nursery and garden centers. Even if February is too early to start seeds indoors in your zone, you can still prepare by purchasing seed flats, containers, and peat pellets.

These tips are general recommendations for USDA Hardiness Zones 4-10.

Be sure to check North America's USDA plant hardiness zones map for your specific zone when planning your gardening and selecting plants.