As the winter chill begins to thaw, savvy gardeners are already gearing up for the spring planting season. According to the latest advice from Missouri Master Gardeners, there are plenty of productive tasks green thumbs can tackle in February to set the stage for a bountiful growing season.
Get a Head Start on Seed Starting
One of the best things gardeners can do in February is get a head start on seed starting. "This is a good month to plan and prep for next season by ordering seeds, cleaning and sharpening tools, and adding compost to gardening beds," says Helen Vanella of the Master Gardeners of Greene County. Vanella recommends starting seeds for annuals like ageratum, petunias, geraniums, impatiens, and salvia indoors by mid-month.
For perennials that need a period of cold stratification, February is the perfect time to get them started as well. "Seeds can be planted in trays and refrigerated for designated times. Examples include milkweed, liatris, shining blue star and blue false indigo," Vanella advises.
Focus on Indoor Plant Care
Indoor gardeners shouldn't neglect their houseplants this time of year either. Vanella recommends taking cuttings from plants like coleus, begonia, geranium, and succulents to propagate new specimens. It's also a good time to repot any root-bound houseplants before the spring growth spurt begins.
And for those struggling with low-light conditions indoors, Vanella suggests trying plants that thrive on "a small degree of neglect," like golden pothos, money tree, snake plant, and philodendron. "Many of these can survive well being watered once a week or even less often," she notes.
Preparing the Outdoor Garden
While the ground may still be frozen, there are still important outdoor tasks to tackle in February. Vanella recommends finishing up any major pruning of woody ornamentals, and checking stored summer bulbs for signs of decay.
Gardeners should also avoid working wet soil, Vanella cautions. "The soil should be dry enough to crumble in your hand before you work it to prevent destroying soil structure." Taking the time for proper soil prep now will pay dividends come springtime.
The Bigger Picture
What this really means is that the savviest gardeners are already laying the groundwork for a productive and sustainable growing season. By getting a head start on seed starting, indoor plant care, and outdoor bed preparation, they'll be well-positioned to reap a bountiful harvest come summer. As Vanella explains, "If located in the correct spot, native plants are very low maintenance, have deeper roots to anchor the soil, and can support a thriving ecosystem." The time to start planning is now.