Garden Tasks — February 2021
February is the shortest month, but sometimes it feels like it will never end. We still get some really cold nights and icy drizzle, but the plants are starting to wake up. Buds are swelling on trees, bulbs are pushing through soft ground, and we’re getting a few extra minutes of daylight each evening.
Take advantage of these last few weeks of winter to get your garden fully planned and prepared for spring planting. You’ll be glad in the bustle of summer that you took time to make decisions now that allow you to just execute the plan later on. And if you get it just mostly planned, that good enough.
Here are the garden tasks for February in Nashville:
Infrastructure and planning:
Prepare your beds and soil. Do you need to build, purchase or repair your raised beds and containers? It’s time to get your soil ready to receive your seeds and seedlings. Did you add a layer of compost in the fall? If not do it now.
If there are any weeds trying to take root, pull them up now before they get established.
Check over your available trellises, cages, and other supports. Do you need to repair or replace any to hold up the tall and vining plants in your garden plan?
Garden centers and home improvement stores are well-stocked with tools and equipment now, but they won’t be in April. February is a good time to shop for the best selection.
If you haven’t already purchased seed, do it ASAP. Many growers are selling out of popular varieties and taking weeks to ship product. Gardening is more popular than ever and the industry is struggling to keep up with demand. Some other options for acquiring seed include trading with friends (hit me up!) and the Nashville Public Library’s Seed Exchange.
Schedule a planning consultation with your garden coach to determine what, when, and where to grow in 2021.
Food:
If starting seeds indoors, this is the month for greens, brassicas, eggplant, tomatoes, herbs, and onions.
A few cool season crops like peas, spinach, beets, carrots, parsnip, and lettuce can be sown outdoors at the end of the month. Frost covers provide some insurance if we get another cold spell.
Flowers
Cool season flowers can be transplanted out or direct seeded in mid-late February. In my garden, these are snapdragons, poppies, larkspur, bachelor buttons, and ammi.
Daffodils, hyacinth, and tulips will start to grow and bloom this month, cheering us all up and bringing hope that spring is on the way. If you don’t have any of these early-blooming bulbs in your garden, make a note to shop for some in summer and plant them in fall for February color next year.
If you have questions or want advice tailored to the plants in your unique garden plan, contact us here.
Most importantly, don’t worry if you can’t get to all the chores on your list. Any amount of prep and planning you do over the winter is extra credit in a Good Enough Garden.
