February is the month for pruning vines, planting bare root trees, and starting seedlings. Work this month sets the stage for a glorious garden this spring and summer.
There are still plenty of cool days ahead in most locations, but February is the opening act for the gardening year in most of North America and Europe. Attention to the garden this month will help insure its health and vitality in the coming growing season.
Prune Vines
After nurturing and encouraging plants through last year’s growing season, it may seem counter-intuitive to dramatically cut back that growth in late winter, but the University of Washington Extension Service says pruning stimulates vigorous new growth. In all but the coldest climates, February is a good time to take out the pruning shears and trim grapes, late flowering clematis, wisteria and in some locations, roses. The Extension Service recommends feeding and mulching plants after pruning to provide adequate nutrients.
Order Seeds, Start Seedling
Peruse the seed catalogs, then order flower and vegetable seeds on-line. They will arrive within a few days. Seeds can be started in flats or pots using an enriched potting soil. Place plants in a sunny window, greenhouse or cold frame, and check daily so they do not dry out.
Plant Bare Rooted Fruit Trees and Shrubs
Bare root trees and shrubs are less expensive in February than they will be later in the spring when nursery personnel transfer them to pots. If the soil is not too wet or frozen, February is a great time to plant. Trees and shrubs will experience less shock and be ready to start growing when the temperatures rise.
Consider Native Plants
Many regions of the world have experienced warmer and dryer than normal summers in recent years. Wild Ones Natural Landscapers, an organization promoting the use of native plants, says native species are usually hardy, and adapted to the local soils and climatic conditions. Once established, native species need little or no irrigation or fertilizer, and are usually more resistant to pests and diseases than non-natives.
Start Composting
February is a good time to start a compost pile. Whole books have been written explaining how to turn garden and kitchen wastes into rich organic matter. Intensive management of a compost pile can bring gratifying results in a matter of weeks, but the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services says all that work is not necessary. Eventually all organic matter decomposes, so just pile up leaves, grass clippings and vegetable wastes from the kitchen in an out-of-the way place, and over a period of several months the materials will break down into soil enhancing compost.
Deal With Outdated Chemicals
Check the tool shed for old, outdated garden chemicals. Never pour chemicals on the ground or down the drain to get rid of them. The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Pest Management Program recommends using up chemicals according to the label directions. If that is not desirable or possible, then give the chemicals to someone who will use them. The only other permissible way to dispose of the weed killers, pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides and the like is through a Hazardous Household Chemical Disposal Facility. Many cities have hazardous waste programs for household chemicals. Check with local authorities to find a near-by facility.
Read more about disposing of household chemicals
Read more about pruning vines.
