While most of the country battles cold, snow, and ice, those of us living in zone 10A Florida are enjoying nearly perfect weather.
With temperatures in the low 70s and very low humidity (one of the benefits of living so close to the Gulf), it feels like nature is giving us a gift.
While many of us are enjoying sleeping with our windows open and feeling the cool breeze, our gardens are thriving in these ideal conditions.
What’s Happening in the Garden
Right now, our cool-weather crops are finishing their season.
It’s too late to plant many of these crops from seed. If you want broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and similar vegetables, head to your local garden center and pick up seedlings to transplant.
These seedlings are easy to move, but don’t wait too long. Once the weather heats up, they will bolt—that is, they start growing a tall flower stalk quickly. When this happens, the vegetables turn bitter and don’t taste as good.
Keep an eye on your broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce, as they will be ready to harvest soon. You can still plant radishes and carrots from seed because they grow fast and will mature by the time the hot weather arrives.
What to Plant Now
February’s weather is perfect for starting your spring garden. Here’s what you can directly sow now:
Direct in Garden Beds
- Bush beans
- Pole beans
- Squash
- Cucumbers
- Sweet corn
- Watermelon
Like many Florida gardeners, I juggle limited space in my backyard. I’m waiting for my winter crops to finish before I can plant these spring vegetables.
But here’s an important tip: Don’t wait too long! These plants need to be in the ground by early March to give them enough growing time before our intense summer heat arrives.
Start in Containers
Some plants are traditionally started in small pots and then placed in the garden. This is the time to get your peppers, eggplants and tomatoes started.
Getting these seeds started now means they’ll be ready to transplant into your garden next month when space frees up. This timing trick helps maximize your growing space and extends your harvest season.
February Garden To-Do List
February’s mild temperatures create perfect conditions for catching up on essential garden tasks.
Start by giving your garden beds some much-needed attention. Pull those sneaky weeds that have popped up during winter – they’re easier to remove while they’re small and the soil is soft.
Once you’ve cleared the weeds, it’s time to enrich your soil. Work in fresh compost around your existing plants and prepare any empty beds for your upcoming spring plantings. Good soil is the foundation of a thriving garden.
Your irrigation system needs a thorough check this month. As temperatures gradually warm up, your plants will need more consistent water.
Walk through your garden and look for clogged drip lines or broken sprinkler heads. Test each zone to ensure water is reaching all your plants evenly.
Remember to adjust your watering schedule – morning is best to prevent water waste and fungal problems.
Take time this month to examine your plants closely for signs of pests emerging from their winter rest. Look under leaves and along stems for aphids, caterpillars, and other hungry insects.
Catching pest problems early makes them much easier to manage. While you’re checking for pests, prune away any dead or damaged plant material to prevent disease and encourage healthy spring growth.
Finally, check your mulch layers. Winter winds may have blown away some of your mulch, leaving soil exposed. Add a fresh layer around your plants, keeping it a few inches away from stems and trunks.
A good mulch layer not only keeps moisture in the soil but also helps prevent those spring weeds from taking hold. Two to three inches of mulch is ideal for most garden beds.
Watch the Weather
Even though February brings us glorious days with low humidity and mild temperatures, we can’t get too comfortable. Florida weather loves to keep us on our toes, and a late-season cold snap can catch gardeners by surprise.
It does not happen often, but keep a close eye on the weather forecast, especially when cold fronts are moving through the state. If temperatures are predicted to dip into the 40s, get your plant protection ready. Old sheets, frost cloth, or even cardboard boxes can save tender plants from cold damage.
Pay special attention to young seedlings and warm-season plants like peppers, basil, and beans – they’re particularly sensitive to cold. Remember to remove these covers in the morning once temperatures warm up, allowing your plants to soak up our beautiful February sunshine.
Quick Tips
- Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and save water
- Pull weeds while they’re small and before they set seeds
- Start a garden diary to track planting dates and harvest times
- Take weekly photos of your garden to document its growth and changes
- Check plant labels before buying – make sure they’re suited for our zone
- Save your seed packets for future reference
- Keep garden tools clean and ready for use
Creating Your February Garden Magic
Whether you’re a seasoned Zone 10A gardener or just starting your Florida growing journey, February offers us a special gift of perfect gardening weather.
While our northern friends are still dreaming over seed catalogs, we’re fortunate to have our hands in the soil, nurturing both winter harvests and spring possibilities.
Take advantage of these gorgeous, low-humidity days to tend your garden, try something new, and perhaps share some extra seedlings with a neighbor. Remember, every garden tells a story, and February is an exciting chapter in ours.
Happy Gardening!
Bonus Content
Each post, I’ll include links to other articles I’ve written that relate to this topic (if available), so you can explore more helpful tips and ideas.
You’ll also find affiliate links for Amazon or Botanical Interests to help you find the tools and seeds you need.
In Between We Garden participates in several affiliate marketing programs. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the maintenance of the blog and allow us to continue creating content for our readers.
To make your gardening journey even more rewarding, I’ll share a freebie or two each month, whether it’s a printable guide, checklist, or another resource to keep you inspired.
Finally, I’ll list the resources I used to create this blog for those who want to dig deeper.
Other Articles I’ve Written
February Gardening: Prep for Spring and Hurricane Resilience
Affiliate Links
Gardening Suggestions from Botanical Interests: Epic 16-Cell Seed Starting Trays
Freebies
- from Botanical Interests: How to Start Seeds E-Book
- from Instructables: Biodegradable Toilet Paper Roll Seedling Pots
Additional Resources
- Kellogg Gardening Products: February Garden Checklist, Zones 9 – 11
- University of Florida/IFAS: What to Plant in February