Things to do for your garden in February

We are approaching the gardening season soon, but it is not quite time to fully swing into planting. This time of year I always start to crave working in my garden when we get those really nice days in between the snow. So to scratch the itch a bit, here is a list of some things that are great to take action on in February.

Things to Prepare

• Prune Trees and shrubs

• Prepare soil to avoid pests with eco-friendly options like dormant oil for trees

• Plan your garden layout

• Plan a watering system

• Plan a compost system

• Build / buy items such as bug houses, bird houses, bird feeders, etc

• Build / prepare raised garden beds

• Lawn clean up and fertilizing (if enough moisture is in the forecast)

• Check tools and equipment to make sure everything is ready to use

• Later in the month into April is a good time to start amending your soil with compost

• Sort through tubers to remove any that have shriveled or decayed.

Plants to Transplant

• Late February is an ok time to plant cold-hardy annuals if the weather is nice enough. But don’t rush them if weather lower then their temperature range it still expected before last frost.

  • Pansies (45-65F)

  • Snapdragons (65-75F)

  • Dianthus (50-65F)

  • Alyssum (20-85F)

  • Viola (40-70F)

  • Etc

Seeds to Start Indoors

• February is still a little early to start most seeds, but it is the perfect time to plan out your garden and figure out when each type of seed needs to be started.

• Determine the starting time for your indoor seedlings by counting backward from mid-May, the approximate first frost-free date on the Front Range. Or for cold hardy plants, the recommended planting time before last frost.

• Common seeds to start indoors in mid February:

  • Broccoli

  • Brussel Sprouts

  • Cabbage

  • Kale

  • Lettuce

  • Pansies

• Common seeds to start indoors in late February into March:

  • Tomatoes

  • Peppers

  • Eggplant

Now to watch the snow melt and look forward to spring!

Sources:

1. https://lifescapecolorado.com/2014/02/a-colorado-gardeners-february-checklist/

2. https://denvergardeners.wordpress.com/2022/02/04/colorado-gardening-calendar-february-2022/

3. https://denvergardeners.wordpress.com/2022/02/04/colorado-gardening-calendar-february-2022/

4. https://www.midwestgardentips.com/gar/february-zone-5

5. https://www.uchealth.org/today/preparing-your-garden-for-spring-in-colorado/

6. https://www.polywood.com/blog/outdoor-living/your-guide-to-winter-garden-preparation-for-spring/
   

Photos:

1. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/improving-garden-soil.htm

2. https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/seed-starting-guide-planning-starting-mistakes-to-avoid/

3. https://www.polywood.com/blog/outdoor-living/your-guide-to-winter-garden-preparation-for-spring/

4. My own