February may be cold and dreary, but it's the perfect time to start preparing for spring, especially if you're passionate about gardening. Here are ten things you can do this month to get a head start on the growing season.
Plan Your Garden - Review your notes from last year and decide what worked and what didn't. Sketch out a plan for this year's garden, considering crop rotation and companion planting.
Order Seeds - With your garden plan in hand, order seeds early to ensure you get the varieties you want. Consider trying at least one new plant or vegetable this year.
Start Seeds Indoors - Some plants, like tomatoes and peppers, need a head start indoors. Check seed packets for timing and start your seeds accordingly.
Test and Amend Soil - Test your garden soil to see what nutrients it might be lacking. Add organic matter and soil amendments as needed to prepare for planting.
Clean and Sharpen Tools - Get your garden tools out of storage and give them a good cleaning. Sharpen blades and oil moving parts to ensure they're ready for use.
Prune Perennials - Late winter is a good time to prune many perennials, trees, and shrubs. Check pruning guidelines for your specific plants.
Plan a Composting System - If you don't already compost, now is a great time to plan and set up a composting system to create your own garden gold.
Prepare Garden Beds - As the weather allows, start clearing out garden beds, removing weeds, and adding compost. Cover beds with mulch or a protective layer to keep them ready for planting.
Force Bulbs Indoors - For a touch of spring indoors, start forcing bulbs like tulips and daffodils now. They'll bloom indoors while it's still chilly outside.
Educate Yourself - Use the quieter winter days to learn more about gardening. Read gardening books, attend workshops, or join a local gardening club.
February is the perfect time to prepare for the upcoming gardening season. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to a successful and enjoyable spring in the garden.