Your February Garden Checklist
Everything you need to do for a great growing season ahead
Have you felt it? The subtle shift in the season? We’ve had a few warm days (granted, unseasonably so) and it has us itching to get outside and put our hands in some dirt. While the bulk of planting season is still a month or two away, there is a ton that can be accomplished this month to set yourself up for a successful growing season.
Don’t miss January’s garden checklist if you need to play a bit of catch-up.
Indoors
There’s nothing worse than pulling out all of your garden supplies, ready to plant your summer garden, and the handle on your spade breaks off (trust us…we’ve been there). February is the ideal time to take stock of your tools and give them a little TLC. Sharpen your blades, replace any tools that are a bit too worse for wear, and mend the holes in your gardening gloves. February is also a great time to take your lawnmower and other mechanized tools in for service—doing so early will help you avoid the inevitable spring rush when everyone realizes their grass is starting to grow again!
February is also a great month to start seeds indoors ahead of the spring and summer growing season. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, head lettuce, onions, and parsley can all be started indoors at this time. If you plan to plant any perennial flower varieties, they can be started at this time as well.
Planning
If you’re following along with us, last month you did a ton of prep work to plan for a successful and productive garden this year. You will have figured out your garden layout, crop rotation strategy, and you will have requested seed catalogs from suppliers who prioritize heirloom and non-GMO seeds. Now comes the fun part—ordering the seeds!
There is nothing more fun or hopeful than receiving a shipment of seeds. It’s your moment to dream about your future garden and all of its potential.
If you have the space, consider growing an extra row of food to give to share with neighbors or with those in need.
Outdoors
Outdoor work really begins this month, so pile on the layers and start a fire in your firepit (keep an eye on our current burn ordinances) to keep warm.
First thing’s first, mow any cover crops you had planted last fall and turn them under the soil.
Peas, seed potatoes, and parsley can be planted toward the end of the month, directly sown into the garden. Nigella, Poppy, and Larkspur seeds can also be directly sown outdoors at this time—this will allow them a few weeks of cold temperatures which is helpful in their germination process.
Harden off any brassica (cabbage, broccoli, arugula, kale, cauliflower, collards, turnips, and so on) in a cold frame. Toward the end of the month, you can plant them in your garden bed under cloches or a low tunnel.
Spread compost over the beds that you will plant next month. Or, if you haven’t started a compost pile yet, start one—you’ll be cutting back on food waste and doing your soil a favor.
