Jumpstart Your Spring Garden: What to Do in february
It might still feel like winter outside, but February is the perfect time to get a head start on your spring garden! While the ground might be frozen and the days are still short, there’s plenty you can do right now to ensure your garden is ready to thrive when spring arrives. Gardening isn’t just about planting; it’s also about planning and preparation, and February is a great time to focus on those steps.
Garden Planning in February
If you’re itching to put on your gardening gloves and get to work, here’s a checklist of productive tasks to tackle this month.
Organize Your Seeds and Tools
Before you plant anything, take stock of what you already have. Think of this as “spring cleaning” for your gardening supplies.
Sort Your Seeds: Pull out last year’s seed packets and spread them out on the table. Check the expiration dates (most seeds are viable for 1–5 years, depending on the type) and group them by planting season—early spring, summer, or fall. You might discover you already have everything you need for a fantastic garden!
Make a Wish List: If you’re low on seeds or want to try something new, now is the time to start browsing seed catalogs. You could look for unique heirloom varieties or add edible flowers like nasturtiums, pansies, or calendula to your garden plan. They’re not only beautiful but also delicious! [Insert links to recommended seed catalogs here.]
Inspect Your Tools: Take a look at your pruners, shovels, and other tools. Are they in good shape? If not, sharpen blades, oil hinges, or replace anything too worn out to use. A little maintenance now will save you time and hassle when you’re ready to start planting.
Want your kiddos involved?
We’ve made a fun project for the kids to do which will teach them about seed propagation in their own little table top garden!
Plan Your Garden Layout
If you’re like me, this is one of the most exciting parts of February gardening prep. Planning your garden layout gives you a chance to dream about what’s to come and get everything organized in your head before spring chaos begins.
Sketch It Out: Grab a notebook or print out a garden layout template and start mapping your space. Think about where you’ll plant vegetables, herbs, flowers, and any new additions you want to try this year.
Consider Crop Rotation: If you grew tomatoes in a certain spot last year, try planting something different there this year. Crop rotation helps prevent soil depletion and keeps pests and diseases at bay. For example, you could follow tomatoes with beans or peas to replenish nitrogen in the soil.
Incorporate Companion Planting: Pair plants that help each other thrive. For instance, basil planted near tomatoes can enhance their growth and flavor while also repelling pests. Marigolds are another great choice for deterring harmful insects and brightening up your garden.
Think About Sunlight: Make sure your sun-loving plants are positioned where they’ll get plenty of light, and save the shadier spots for greens like lettuce and spinach.
Start Cold-Weather Crops Indoors
While it might seem early to plant, February is actually a great time to start certain crops indoors. Starting seeds indoors allows you to get a jump on the growing season, especially for vegetables that take a long time to mature.
What to Plant: Onions, leeks, celery, and even some hardy greens like kale and spinach are perfect candidates for starting indoors this month. If your climate is mild, you might even begin cold-weather herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Seed-Starting Tips: Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good-quality seed-starting mix. Place them in a warm spot with plenty of light—either a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. If you’re new to seed starting, don’t worry! It’s easier than it looks, and the sight of tiny green sprouts is sure to brighten even the coldest February day.
Prepare Garden Beds (If Possible)
One of the best ways to make gardening easier—especially if you’re middle-aged or experience back pain—is by using raised garden beds. Not only do they reduce the strain of bending and kneeling, but they also keep your plants at the perfect height for easy care.
Benefits of Raised Garden Beds
Reduced Back Pain: No more stooping or crouching to plant, weed, or harvest.
Better Drainage: Elevated beds prevent waterlogging and allow for better soil control.
Pest Protection: Beds can help deter ground pests like rabbits or moles.
Where to Find Raised Garden Beds
Here are a few great options to explore:
Perfect for small gardens or patios, designed for easy access.
Perfect for small gardens or patios, designed for easy access.
Whether you are looking for different shapes or different heights, these beds fit the bill.
These galvanized steel beds come in a variety of sizes, like this tall one, that can save your back.
Adding raised beds to your garden not only saves your back but also makes gardening more enjoyable and accessible.
Stay Inspired and Keep Learning
Gardening is as much about the journey as it is about the destination, and January is the perfect time to dream big. While you’re working on your plans, take a little time to enjoy the process and stay inspired.
Browse Gardening Books and Blogs: Winter is a great time to dive into gardening resources for new ideas and techniques. Whether it’s learning about permaculture, composting, or vertical gardening, there’s always something new to discover.
Create a Vision Board: Gather pictures of your dream garden—lush flower beds, thriving vegetable plots, or cozy corners filled with pollinator plants—and create a vision board to keep your goals front and center.
Set Personal Goals: Maybe this is the year you finally try growing garlic, build raised beds, or set up a rainwater collection system. Write down your goals and keep track of your progress throughout the year.
A Quick February Checklist
Here’s a handy summary of tasks to jumpstart your spring garden:
Sort and organize seeds.
Clean and inspect tools.
Browse seed catalogs and make a wish list.
Sketch out a garden layout and consider crop rotation.
Start cold-weather crops like onions, leeks, and kale indoors.
Clean up garden beds and add compost if the ground isn’t frozen.
Cover bare soil with mulch or tarps for protection.
Read, dream, and plan for the season ahead!
Your Garden Awaits
February might not be the time for planting outdoors just yet, but it’s the perfect month for dreaming, planning, and preparing. By tackling a few of these tasks now, you’ll set yourself up for a productive and rewarding gardening season when spring arrives. Remember, every little step you take today brings you closer to the lush, thriving garden you’re working toward.
Spring is just around the corner—let’s get ready to grow!