Garden Activities for February

February can be an unpredictable month with either cold or mild temperatures depending on the year. Snow is not unusual. And, needless to say, it is a very wet month. February is also a transitional month. Looking closely at the ground will reveal emerging daffodils, crocus and other spring bulbs. Buds begin to appear on shrubs and trees. Despite the way the weather looks, the garden is slowly beginning to awaken. And there are many chores that can be accomplished this month.

• Prune fruit trees, deciduous trees, grapes and berries if needed. Later in the month, roses and some shrubs (summer flowering only) can be pruned.
• Cut a few branches of winter-blooming shrubs (quince, forsythia, flowering cherry) and bring them inside to force into bloom. Let the entire branch sit in room temperature water overnight before re-cutting and placing into individual vases.
• Transplant deciduous trees or shrubs before new growth begins. Evergreens can wait until March or April.
• Plant trees, shrubs and roses
• Vegetable seeds like lettuce, mustard and spinach can be sown now as long as they are undercover. Cool-season starts such as arugula, cabbage, carrots, kale, leeks, lettuce, mustard, onions, and others should be transplanted into garden beds.
• Clean and prepare cold frames, hoop houses and row covers for upcoming planting.
• Houseplants can be cut back if needed and leaves can be cleaned.
• Sharpen and clean tools, tune up lawnmowers and power equipment.