February, a transitional month for many gardens, offers a unique window of opportunity to prepare for the upcoming spring. With fluctuating temperatures and the promise of warmer days, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and engage in some essential garden tasks. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various activities that can make your garden thrive in the changing weather while also getting a head start on hurricane preparedness.
- Planting and Pruning:
- Seize the cool days of February to tackle heavy lifting in the garden before the humidity moves in. Whether you’re establishing new beds or rejuvenating existing ones, now is the perfect time.
- Prune plants by the end of the month to eliminate cold-damaged or older stems, promoting new growth. Trimming overgrown plants and removing dead portions can revitalize the garden.
- Strategic Trimming and Blooming Plants:
- I like to trim my bleeding heart vines to the ground as that always ensures spectacular growth, but exercise caution with flowering plants. Postpone pruning for plants like camellias and azaleas until after their flowering period. My camellia is still blooming and I will wait until the buds are gone before I do any trimming.
- Bulb Planting and Multiplying:
- While tulips and hyacinths may not fare well, there’s a wide array of bulbs suitable for planting. Consider amaryllis, Amazon lilies, caladiums, crinums, rain lilies, and shell ginger.
- Crinums have done very well in my yard. Several years ago, I cleaned out my crinum bed and had many bulbs to share with fellow gardeners. I love being able to share what I grow in my yard!
- Last Call for Cool Season Plants:
- February serves as the final call for planting cool-season crops. I have one more grow bag of potatoes that needs to be planted.
- Transition to Warm Season Veggies:
- Prepare for the transition to warm-season vegetables by the end of the month. From watermelons to tomatoes to cantaloupes to squash, it’s time to plant your warm season favorites. I plan to plant some seeds (like squash) and I will purchase tomato and pepper plants to transplant. I will go to one of the small, local nurseries over big box stores to find plants adapted to my local climate.
- Grow Food, Not Lawns:
- If you read traditional gardening books, they will tell you that now is the time you should be dumping chemicals on your lawn to eliminate pests and to control crabgrass. I made the decision a while back that I did not want a chemical-laden lawn. Maintaining St. Augustine grass, the variety that is most widely grown here, is expensive. I’ve decided to trial Bahia grass in the backyard to see if it will grow without lots of chemicals. Prioritizing the growth of food over an expansive lawn aligns with my commitment to sustainable gardening. I’ll share my permaculture adventures, offering insights into a chemical-free approach.
- Proper Tree Care for Hurricane Season:
- Begin the process of preparing trees for hurricane season, which starts on June 1. Trim damaged or diseased branches and address potential storm vulnerabilities. Unless you really adept at tree trimming, hire an arborist for professional assistance in ensuring the safety and health of your trees.
As February unfolds, take advantage of the shifting weather patterns to set the stage for a vibrant spring garden. From planting bulbs to strategic pruning and hurricane preparedness, these activities will not only enhance the beauty of your garden but also fortify it against potential challenges. Embrace the spirit of sustainable gardening and enjoy the fruits – and flowers – of your labor. Happy Gardening!